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.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Coraline Rose
Floral · soft ending
Coraline Mae
Sweet · timeless
Coraline Claire
French influence · crisp
Coraline Jane
Literary · strong
Coraline Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Coraline right now?
Declining — down 41 spots — currently #719 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Coraline by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Coraline?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Coraline also consider these
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.