The name Cord originates from the Old English and Old German words "cord" or "kord," which mean "rope" or "string." It was likely initially used as a surname for someone who worked with ropes or cords, like a rope-maker or sailor.

In the Middle Ages, the name Cord was particularly popular in Germany and the Low Countries. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name is Saint Cord (c. 1180-1248), a Franciscan friar and missionary who was active in Germany and the Netherlands. He is known for his efforts to convert pagans and his miracles attributed to him.

Another notable historical figure with this name was Cord Kluit (1684-1766), a Dutch jurist and historian who wrote extensively on the history of the Netherlands. He is considered one of the founders of modern historical criticism and methodology.

In the 16th century, Cord Siemens (c. 1500-1570) was a German Anabaptist leader and theologian who played a significant role in the Radical Reformation movement. He was known for his pacifist and non-resistant beliefs.

During the Renaissance, Cord Lubbers (c. 1500-1556) was a Dutch humanist scholar and poet who wrote in Latin and Greek. He was a professor at the University of Louvain and is remembered for his contributions to classical literature and education.

In the 19th century, Cord Titz (1822-1895) was a German painter and illustrator known for his landscape paintings and illustrations of fairy tales and legends. He was part of the Düsseldorf School of Painting and his works are held in various museums in Germany.

While the name Cord has been primarily used in German-speaking regions and the Low Countries historically, it has also been adopted in other parts of Europe and beyond. However, it remains a relatively uncommon first name in most parts of the world today.