Cottrell is a surname of English origin that is derived from the Old English word "cotel," which means "coat" or "garment." It is believed to have been an occupational name for a maker or seller of coats or garments. The name may also have originated as a nickname for someone who wore a distinctive coat or garment.
The surname Cottrell can be traced back to the 13th century in England, where it was found in various counties such as Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. It is likely that the name spread throughout the country over time due to migration and other factors.
Today, Cottrell is still a relatively uncommon surname, with the highest concentrations of people bearing this name found in the United States, particularly in states like Texas and California. Despite its rarity, Cottrell remains an interesting and distinctive name with a rich history rooted in English culture and heritage.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe several trends regarding the use of the name Cottrell in the United States over the course of a century.
From 1918 to 1922, there were consistently between five and eight births per year with the name Cottrell. This suggests that during this period, the name was somewhat popular, with an average of six births per year during these four years.
However, starting from 1927, the number of annual births with the name Cottrell began to fluctuate more significantly. Between 1927 and 1964, there were between five and eight births each year, indicating that while the name was still being used, its popularity had decreased compared to the earlier period.
From 1975 onwards, there was a notable increase in the use of the name Cottrell once again. Between 1975 and 2014, with the exception of two years (1995 and 2014), the number of births per year remained relatively stable at six. This suggests that during this latter period, the name Cottrell regained some popularity.
In total, over the course of these 97 years, there were a combined 141 babies named Cottrell born in the United States. While the name has not been consistently popular throughout the century, its usage has shown periods of increased popularity, particularly during the early 20th century and again from the late 1970s to the present day.
It's interesting to note that despite fluctuations in popularity, the name Cottrell has maintained a consistent presence in the United States over the past century. This suggests that while its popularity may ebb and flow, the name Cottrell remains a recognizable choice for parents seeking something unique for their child's moniker.