Coraline

“like coral”

English origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#719US 2023

391Births / yr

↓Falling

4.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 197000.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Coraline

KAW·rul·eyen

/ˈkɔ.rəl.ˌaɪn/ · stress on KAW · 3 syllables

“like coral”

English origin · Girl name

What does Coraline mean and where does it come from?

Coraline is an English name that gained popularity due to Neil Gaiman's novel 'Coraline,' published in 2002. The name may derive from the word 'coral,' which refers to the marine invertebrate found in oceans, symbolizing beauty and grace. The name Coraline evokes imagery of the ocean, and it is ofte

Cultural significance

Coraline has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of like coral.

Peak popularity

Reached #579 in 2015 — currently #719 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Coraline?

Coraline works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Coraline Grace

How popular is Coraline right now?

Declining — down 41 spots — currently #719 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#719 · Top 0.53%

1970

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#719	391	▼ down 41 · -9% births
2022	#678	430	▲ up 44 · +9% births
2021	#722	396	▼ down 77 · -11% births
2020	#645	446	▼ down 66 · -15% births
2015	#579	527	▲ up 465 · +121% births
2010	#1044	238	▲ up 6814 · +3867% births
1970	#7858	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Coraline

Best Year2015Rank #579

Peak Count527

Average Rank#1749

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 20237 years

The story of Coraline

Coraline is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 4,748 total births recorded, Coraline remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7858 in 1970 to #719 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Coraline in 2015:

Emma Olivia Sophia Ava Isabella

Coraline by decade

Coraline peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	6
2000s	143
2010s ★	4,153
2020s	446

💎With 4,748 total births, Coraline is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Coraline?

Common

CorCorieCoryIne

What names sound and feel like Coraline?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Coraline also consider these

American · Of the Sea

Loraine

English · French

Opaline

English · Relating to or

Common questions about the name Coraline

What does the name Coraline mean?

Coraline means "like coral" — 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 Coraline?

Coraline is currently ranked #719 as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Coraline?

Coraline 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 Coraline?

Coraline is a three-syllable name pronounced K AO1 R AH0 L AY2 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Coraline?

Coraline pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.