Cordero is a Spanish surname and given name that originated from the Latin word "cordero," which means "lamb." The name is believed to have been brought to Spain by the Romans, who ruled over the Iberian Peninsula for centuries. In medieval Spain, many families adopted surnames based on their occupations or physical characteristics, and Cordero was likely used as a surname for individuals who worked with sheep or were considered gentle and meek like lambs.
The name Cordero is still widely used today in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and Latin America. It has also gained popularity among English speakers in recent years, thanks in part to its unique sound and meaning. While it is more commonly found as a surname, Cordero can be used as a given name for both boys and girls.
One notable figure with the last name Cordero was Pedro Cordero y Salinas, who served as the viceroy of Peru from 1680 to 1687. He was known for his efforts to improve the living conditions of the indigenous people in the region under Spanish rule.
In literature, the surname Cordero appears in several works by Gabriel García Márquez, the Colombian Nobel laureate author. One example is "One Hundred Years of Solitude," where a character named José Arcadio Buendía is described as having the last name Cordero before changing it to reflect his family's new status and fortune.
Overall, Cordero is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history and cultural significance in Spain and Latin America. Its association with lambs and gentleness makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name for their child.
"The name Cordero is not widely used in the United States, with only nine babies being named Cordero annually as of 1987. This figure represents the total number of births for this name in a single year."