Corns

The surname Corns is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English word "corn" or "coren," which means grain or seed. It was likely an occupational name for someone who worked with grain, such as a farmer, miller, or merchant. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in Yorkshire, England.

Records indicate that a John Corns was mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1327. This suggests that the name was already well-established in various regions of England by that time. The name also appears in the Lay Subsidy Rolls of Warwickshire in 1332, where a William Cornes is listed.

During the 16th century, the surname Corns was found primarily in the counties of Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire. One notable bearer of the name was Robert Corns, a prominent landowner in Staffordshire, who was born in 1560 and died in 1621.

In the 17th century, the name was also found in other parts of England, including London. Thomas Corns, a merchant and alderman in London, lived from 1610 to 1678 and was known for his philanthropic works.

The 18th century saw the emergence of several Corns families in various parts of the country. One notable figure was John Corns, a renowned clockmaker from Gloucestershire, who lived from 1720 to 1795 and was celebrated for his intricate and innovative clock designs.

As the surname spread, it encountered various spelling variations, such as Cornes, Cornys, and Cornish. Some of these variations were likely influenced by local dialects and pronunciation differences. The name Cornish, however, is considered a distinct surname with a different origin.

Over the centuries, the Corns surname has been associated with several notable individuals, including:

1. William Corns (1805-1872), an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to celestial mechanics. 2. Elizabeth Corns (1842-1922), a pioneering American educator and suffragist, known for her efforts in promoting women's rights and education. 3. James Corns (1866-1938), a Scottish politician and trade unionist who served as a Member of Parliament for Glasgow. 4. Alfred Corns (1880-1957), a British artist and illustrator renowned for his landscape paintings and etchings. 5. Margaret Corns (1911-2003), an Australian author and playwright whose works often explored themes of family, identity, and cultural heritage.

While the surname Corns may have originated as an occupational name, it has since evolved and spread across various regions, becoming a distinct part of many family histories and cultural traditions.