What does Corliss mean and where does it come from?
Corliss is derived from the Old English name Corliss, which may come from 'cor', meaning 'darkness' and 'liss', indicating 'place' or 'shelter'. It was used primarily in the United States during the 20th century. Corliss has also been used as a surname and is associated with notable individuals like
Cultural significance
Corliss has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the dark place.
Peak popularity
Reached #591 in 1946 — currently #1128 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Corliss?
Corliss works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Corliss Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Corliss Rose
Floral · soft ending
Corliss Mae
Sweet · timeless
Corliss Claire
French influence · crisp
Corliss Jane
Literary · strong
Corliss Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Corliss right now?
Holding steady — currently #1128 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1128 | 1,072 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1133 | 1,052 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1138 | 1,022 | ▲ up 8207 · +12675% births |
| 1990 | #9345 | 8 | ▼ down 4561 · -47% births |
| 1980 | #4784 | 15 | ▲ up 127 · +25% births |
| 1975 | #4911 | 12 | ▼ down 2738 · -68% births |
| 1970 | #2173 | 37 | ▼ down 313 · -3% births |
| 1965 | #1860 | 38 | ▼ down 585 · -49% births |
| 1960 | #1275 | 75 | ▼ down 450 · -46% births |
| 1955 | #825 | 138 | ▼ down 87 · +1% births |
| 1950 | #738 | 137 | ▲ up 107 · +71% births |
| 1945 | #845 | 80 | ▲ up 2534 · +900% births |
| 1940 | #3379 | 8 | ▼ down 60 |
| 1935 | #3319 | 8 | ▲ up 557 · +14% births |
| 1930 | #3876 | 7 | — |
The story of Corliss
Corliss entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 3,191 total births recorded, Corliss remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4693 in 1920 to #1128 in 2023. Corliss is used for both genders: 89% female and 11% male.
Names that peaked alongside Corliss in 1946:
Corliss by decade
Corliss peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 78 | |
| 1920s | 267 | |
| 1930s | 153 | |
| 1940s | 759 | |
| 1950s ★ | 1,132 | |
| 1960s | 449 | |
| 1970s | 185 | |
| 1980s | 79 | |
| 1990s | 84 | |
| 2000s | 5 | |
💎With 3,191 total births, Corliss is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Corliss?
What names sound and feel like Corliss?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Corliss also consider these
Common questions about the name Corliss
What does the name Corliss mean?
Corliss means "From the dark place" — a name rooted in American 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 Corliss?
Corliss 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 Corliss?
Corliss originates from American tradition. American 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 Corliss?
Corliss is a two-syllable name pronounced K AO1 R L IH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Corliss a common or rare name?
Corliss is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.