What does Coral mean and where does it come from?
The name Coral has seen increased popularity since the 19th century. It evokes images of natural beauty and the ocean. Coral can also symbolize modesty and humility and has been used in various cultures to indicate vitality and resilience. Notable people with the name include Coral Browne, an Austra
Cultural significance
Coral has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the marine invertebrate found in ocean habitats, often associated with beauty and the sea.
Peak popularity
Reached #499 in 1888 — currently #1193 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Coral?
Coral works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Coral Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Coral Rose
Floral · soft ending
Coral Mae
Sweet · timeless
Coral Claire
French influence · crisp
Coral Jane
Literary · strong
Coral Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Coral right now?
Holding steady — currently #1193 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1193 | 1,007 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1198 | 987 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1203 | 957 | ▲ up 426 · +660% births |
| 2020 | #1629 | 126 | ▼ down 405 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #1224 | 201 | ▲ up 220 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #1444 | 157 | ▼ down 322 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #1122 | 210 | ▲ up 116 · +31% births |
| 2000 | #1238 | 160 | ▼ down 147 · -2% births |
| 1995 | #1091 | 163 | ▼ down 14 · -1% births |
| 1990 | #1077 | 164 | ▲ up 194 · +55% births |
| 1985 | #1271 | 106 | ▲ up 29 · +8% births |
| 1980 | #1300 | 98 | ▲ up 341 · +66% births |
| 1975 | #1641 | 59 | ▲ up 483 · +55% births |
| 1970 | #2124 | 38 | ▼ down 659 · -33% births |
| 1965 | #1465 | 57 | — |
The story of Coral
Coral has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. A total of 10,593 babies have received this name. Once ranked #687 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1193 in 2023. Coral is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Coral in 1888:
Coral by decade
Coral peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 116 | |
| 1890s | 179 | |
| 1900s | 160 | |
| 1910s | 365 | |
| 1920s | 481 | |
| 1930s | 466 | |
| 1940s | 515 | |
| 1950s | 766 | |
| 1960s | 582 | |
| 1970s | 558 | |
| 1980s | 917 | |
| 1990s | 1,792 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,836 | |
| 2010s | 1,734 | |
| 2020s | 126 | |
What are good nicknames for Coral?
What names sound and feel like Coral?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Coral also consider these
How is Coral written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Coral
What does the name Coral mean?
Coral means "Derived from the marine invertebrate found in ocean habitats, often associated with beauty and the sea" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Coral?
Coral is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Coral?
Coral originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Coral?
Coral is a two-syllable name pronounced K AO1 R AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Coral a common or rare name?
Coral is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.