What does Cordelia mean and where does it come from?
Cordelia is a name of Latin and Celtic origin, first recorded in use during the medieval period. It is widely recognized due to Shakespeare's play 'King Lear', wherein Cordelia is the youngest daughter of King Lear. The name has been embraced in various literary works, often symbolizing loyalty and
Cultural significance
Cordelia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of heart.
Peak popularity
Reached #204 in 1880 — currently #981 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cordelia?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cordelia?
Cordelia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cordelia Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cordelia Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Cordelia Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Cordelia Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Cordelia Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Cordelia Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Cordelia right now?
Rising fast — up 85 spots — currently #981 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #981 | 258 | ▲ up 85 · +11% births |
| 2024 | #1066 | 233 | ▲ up 51 · +6% births |
| 2023 | #1117 | 219 | ▼ down 66 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #1051 | 242 | ▼ down 42 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #1009 | 253 | ▼ down 6 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #1003 | 251 | ▼ down 55 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #948 | 286 | ▲ up 356 · +59% births |
| 2010 | #1304 | 180 | ▲ up 127 · +21% births |
| 2005 | #1431 | 149 | ▲ up 972 · +133% births |
| 2000 | #2403 | 64 | ▲ up 333 · +45% births |
| 1995 | #2736 | 44 | ▲ up 222 · +16% births |
| 1990 | #2958 | 38 | ▲ up 49 · +27% births |
| 1985 | #3007 | 30 | ▼ down 615 · -25% births |
| 1980 | #2392 | 40 | ▼ down 225 · +3% births |
| 1975 | #2167 | 39 | — |
The story of Cordelia
Cordelia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 11,687 babies have received this name. Once ranked #204 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1117 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cordelia in 1880:
Cordelia by decade
Cordelia peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 546 | |
| 1890s | 575 | |
| 1900s | 600 | |
| 1910s | 1,087 | |
| 1920s | 1,131 | |
| 1930s | 839 | |
| 1940s | 780 | |
| 1950s | 772 | |
| 1960s | 566 | |
| 1970s | 352 | |
| 1980s | 338 | |
| 1990s | 367 | |
| 2000s | 1,218 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,265 | |
| 2020s | 742 | |
What are good nicknames for Cordelia?
What names sound and feel like Cordelia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cordelia also consider these
Common questions about the name Cordelia
What does the name Cordelia mean?
Cordelia means "heart" — a name rooted in England 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 Cordelia?
Cordelia is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Cordelia?
Cordelia originates from England tradition. England 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 Cordelia?
Cordelia is a four-syllable name pronounced kaw-RDEE-lee-uh. 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 Cordelia?
Cordelia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar England heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.