Cardinal (name) facts for kids

The name Cardinal is a very common surname, especially among First Nations and Métis people in Canada. It first came from France and arrived in New France (which is now part of Canada) by the 1680s, during the time of the North American fur trade.

In the 1780s, a small group of people named Cardinal traveled from Quebec to what is now northern Alberta. They came to work in the fur trade. These families stayed in the area and married local Indigenous people. They had many children, and because of this, thousands of Cree and Métis people across Alberta and beyond can trace their family history back to these early Cardinal families.

Famous People Named Cardinal

Many people with the surname Cardinal have become well-known in different fields.

Sports Stars

• Brian Cardinal is an American basketball player who played in the NBA. He was known for his strong defense and teamwork.
• Fernando Cardinal is a Portuguese futsal player. Futsal is a type of indoor soccer played on a hard court.
• Mark Cardinal is a Canadian rugby player. Rugby is a team sport similar to American football, but without padding.

Artists and Performers

• Douglas Cardinal (born 1934) is a famous Canadian architect. He is known for designing buildings with curved, flowing shapes, often inspired by nature.
• Gil Cardinal was a Canadian filmmaker and director of Métis descent. He made many important documentaries.
• Lorne Cardinal is a Canadian actor. He is well-known for his roles in television shows and movies.
• Tantoo Cardinal is a respected Canadian actress. She has appeared in many films and TV series, often playing strong Indigenous characters.

Leaders and Thinkers

• Harold Cardinal (1945–2005) was a Cree writer and important political leader. He worked hard to protect the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• Jean-Guy Cardinal was a politician from Quebec, Canada. He served in the government and helped make decisions for the province.
• Linda Cardinal (born 1959) is a Canadian political scientist. She studies how governments work and how people participate in politics.
• Mike Cardinal is a Canadian politician. He has served in the government of Alberta.

Other Uses of 'Cardinal'

Sometimes, the name Cardinal is used in other ways, like as a stage name.

• Kardinal Offishall is the stage name of Jason Drew Harrow, a Canadian rapper and music producer.

See Also

• Cardinal (disambiguation) – This page lists other meanings of the word "Cardinal."
• Cardenal – A Spanish surname that sounds similar.
• Cardinale – An Italian surname that sounds similar.