Cordell is an English surname of French origin, from the Old French cordel, and originally named a "maker of cord" or rope. Cordell Hull, Franklin Roosevelt's Secretary of State and winner of the 1945 Nobel Peace Prize, is its best-known bearer, and the name has long been popular in African-American families. Cordell ranked number 640 in 2000, but has slipped out of the top 1000 and stands at number 1977 in 2025.