Cardinal Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cardinal come from? What does the surname Cardinal mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cardinal and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cardinal Origin: What does the last name Cardinal mean?
The surname Cardinal is a common name among aboriginal people in Canada, primarily the Cree and Métis communities. It originated as a French name and arrived in North America through the fur trade by the 1680s. In the 1780s, a group of Cardinals migrated from Quebec to northern Alberta, where they intermarried with local indigenous peoples, leading to a large population of Cree and Métis descendants with the Cardinal surname. Notable individuals with this surname include musicians, architects, athletes, writers, and politicians.
YourRoots data reveals that the Cardinal surname first appeared in records in the United States in the early 16th century, with a growing presence in England in the 15th century. By the 17th to 19th centuries, the Cardinal surname became prominent in Canada, with significant records in the United Kingdom as well. Today, the Cardinal surname remains prevalent in Canada and the United States, with a global presence in various countries worldwide, showcasing its widespread distribution and historical significance.
Cardinal Last Name History: Where did the last name Cardinal come from?
Origin of Cardinal Surname: Where does the last name Cardinal originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Cardinal first appeared in records from the United States around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Cardinal spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cardinal: What does the Cardinal surname history look like in the early days?
The Cardinal surname started growing in England in the 15th century and later became prominent in Canada from the 17th to the 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Cardinal family records in countries like the United Kingdom, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cardinal surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Cardinal surname grew significantly in Canada. The Cardinal surname remains prominent in Canada and the United States. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom and other nations.
Explore Cardinal last name heritage and Cardinal surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cardinal Surame?
Tantoo Cardinal
Tantoo Cardinal CM (July 20, 1950 - present) is a Canadian actress of Cree and Métis heritage known for her contributions to Aboriginal performing arts in Canada. She has appeared in notable films like "Dances with Wolves," "Legends of the Fall," and the Netflix series "Longmire." Cardinal has received accolades such as the Order of Canada, Gemini Award, and the Earle Grey Award for lifetime achievement. She continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing her talent and cultural heritage on screen.
Lorne Cardinal
Lorne Cardinal (born Jan 6, 1964) is a Canadian actor and director known for his role as Sergeant Davis Quinton on the comedy series Corner Gas. He is of Cree descent and has appeared in various TV shows, films, and theatre productions, often portraying First Nations characters. Cardinal is also a rugby enthusiast and has starred in award-winning projects like 'No Reservations' and 'Chasing Lear'. Currently, he has a recurring role on the network TV drama FBI: Most Wanted. Cardinal resides in British Columbia with his wife Monique Hurteau and is recognized for his contributions to Indigenous Canadian representation in entertainment.
Brian Cardinal
Brian Greg Cardinal (May 2, 1977) is a retired American professional basketball player known as "The Custodian" and "The Janitor." He played for the NBA from 2000 to 2012, winning an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Before his NBA career, Cardinal excelled at Purdue University, being a key player for the Boilermakers. His hustle on the court earned him the nickname "The Janitor" for his ability to clean up loose balls. Cardinal's contributions to Purdue's success and his dedicated playing style left a lasting impact on the basketball community.
Douglas Cardinal
Douglas Joseph Cardinal (born Mar 7, 1934) is a renowned Canadian architect known for his unique style that blends his Indigenous heritage with European Expressionist architecture. He is famous for designing iconic buildings like the Canadian Museum of History and the National Museum of the American Indian. Cardinal's work reflects his deep connection to nature and cultural heritage, making him one of Canada's most influential contemporary architects.
Celeigh Cardinal
Celeigh Cardinal is a Canadian folk singer-songwriter from Alberta. She gained recognition for her 2019 album *Stories from a Downtown Apartment*, winning the Juno Award for Indigenous Music Album of the Year in 2020. With a musical journey that started at the young age of four, Celeigh has showcased her talent on various stages and released several acclaimed albums, including *Everything and Nothing at All* and *Boundless Possibilities*. She continues to make waves in the music industry and is also a host on CKUA Radio for the show "Full Circle," celebrating Indigenous music worldwide.
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