Caldwell Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Caldwell come from? What does the surname Caldwell mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Caldwell and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Caldwell Origin: What does the last name Caldwell mean?
The surname Caldwell has English, Scottish, and Northern Irish origins, meaning "cold-stream." Records show that the earliest instances of the Caldwell surname date back to the 15th century in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. Over time, the surname became more prevalent in Ireland during the 17th century and eventually gained popularity in the United States by the 18th century, surpassing its frequency in the UK and Ireland.
YourRoots data confirms the widespread presence of the Caldwell surname, with a significant number of records found in the United States. The surname can also be traced to countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Scotland, highlighting its global distribution. This name has a rich history and continues to be prominent in various regions, reflecting its enduring legacy and cultural significance.
Caldwell Last Name History: Where did the last name Caldwell come from?
Origin of Caldwell Surname: Where does the last name Caldwell originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest record of the surname Caldwell can be traced back to the 15th century in the United Kingdom, specifically England. Please note that this data is focused solely on the exact spelling of "Caldwell" within the YourRoots database.
History of the Last Name Caldwell: What does the Caldwell surname history look like in the early days?
The “Caldwell” surname was primarily associated with the United Kingdom during the 15th and 16th centuries. The frequency of Caldwell family records began to increase notably in Ireland during the 17th century. By the 18th century, the frequency of records in the United States surpassed those in the United Kingdom and Ireland, signifying a shift in the surname's prevalence.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Caldwell surname today?
The 20th century saw the Caldwell surname most frequently recorded in the United States, according to YourRoots data. This trend continued into the 21st century, albeit with a lower volume of records. The Caldwell surname can be found in various countries today, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and Scotland.
Explore Caldwell last name heritage and Caldwell surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Caldwell Surame?
Bobby Caldwell
Robert Hunter Caldwell (August 15, 1951 – March 14, 2023) was an American singer and songwriter known for his soulful vocals. He gained fame with the hit single "What You Won't Do for Love" from his debut album in 1978. Caldwell's music has been sampled by hip hop and R&B artists, and he wrote songs for industry legends like Amy Grant and Peter Cetera. His diverse musical career spanned R&B, jazz, and standards from the Great American Songbook. Caldwell continued to create music and collaborate with other artists throughout his life, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry until his passing at 71.
Malcolm Caldwell
James Alexander Malcolm Caldwell (Sep 27, 1931 – Dec 23, 1978) was a Scottish academic known for his Marxist writings and criticism of American foreign policy. He supported Asian communist movements and the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Caldwell's mysterious murder, hours after meeting Pol Pot, sparked debate over the motive and culprits. Despite his controversial views, his dedication to radical activism and academic work left a lasting impact in the field of political studies.
Toy Caldwell
Toy Talmadge Caldwell Jr. (November 13, 1947 – February 25, 1993) was an American musician known for being the lead guitarist and main songwriter of the 1970s Southern Rock band The Marshall Tucker Band. He played a key role in hits like "Can't You See" and developed a unique guitar style. Caldwell's musical legacy continues to influence fans and aspiring musicians alike.
Tommy Caldwell
Tommy Caldwell (born Aug 11, 1978) is an American rock climber known for setting records in sport climbing, traditional climbing, and big-wall climbing. He made history with the first free ascent of The Dawn Wall on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Caldwell's resilience was tested through challenges such as being taken hostage in Kyrgyzstan, losing a finger in an accident, and tearing his Achilles tendon multiple times. Despite setbacks, he continued to push the limits of climbing, earning him the title of "arguably the best all-around rock climber on the planet" by National Geographic. Caldwell's dedication to the sport and groundbreaking achievements have solidified his place in climbing history.
L. Scott Caldwell
Laverne Scott Caldwell (born 1950) is an American actress best known for her roles as Deputy U.S. Marshal Erin Poole in The Fugitive (1993) and Rose on the TV series Lost. Starting her career in theater, she won a Tony Award for her performance in Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Caldwell has appeared in various TV shows, films, and stage productions, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress. With a strong presence in the entertainment industry, she continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable performances.
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