Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Cornwallis

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Derived from Cornwall Region in England

      Variations

      Corallina, Coralline, Cornelis
      The name Cornwallis is of English origin, derived from the Cornwall region in southwestern England. It signifies a connection to this historically significant area, which is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The etymology of the name reflects a geographical lineage, indicating that individuals bearing this surname may have ancestral ties to Cornwall.

      The Cornwallis name is historically prominent, notably associated with General Charles Cornwallis, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War. Born in 1738, he served as a British Army officer and was recognized for his role in several crucial battles during the conflict. His surrender at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 marked a decisive turning point in the war, leading to American independence. The name has since become synonymous with both British military history and the complexities of colonial governance.

      In contemporary times, Cornwallis remains a recognized surname, often used in various contexts, including academia, literature, and public life. The name is also associated with places, such as Cornwallis Park in Canada and other sites named in honor of General Cornwallis. While the name carries historical weight, it continues to evoke interest and discussion around themes of colonialism, military history, and regional identity in England.

      Based on our records...

      Maude

      This is the most common surname associated with Cornwallis.

      Anne

      This is the most common name of those married to a Cornwallis.

      Cornwallis

      This is the most common name for a child of a Cornwallis.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1857 is when there were the most people born with the first name Cornwallis.

      Explore the origins of another name.