Cornelia

“Horn”

Latin origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#560US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

21.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.1% of births at peak

How to pronounce Cornelia

kaw·RNEE·lyuh

/kɔ.ˈrniː.ljə/ · stress on RNEE · 3 syllables

“Horn”

Latin origin · Unisex name

What does Cornelia mean and where does it come from?

Cornelia is derived from the Latin family name Cornelius, which is believed to be derived from the word 'cornu' meaning 'horn'. It has a long history, especially in Ancient Rome, where it was a common name among patrician families. Cornelia has been used in literature and has variations in several l

Cultural significance

Cornelia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of horn.

Peak popularity

Reached #147 in 1880 — currently #560 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Cornelia?

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

Cornelia Grace

How popular is Cornelia right now?

Holding steady — currently #560 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#560 · Top 0.41%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#560	1,640	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#565	1,620	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#570	1,590	▲ up 3403 · +4443% births
2020	#3973	35	▲ up 867 · +25% births
2015	#4840	28	▲ up 756 · +17% births
2010	#5596	24	▼ down 162 · +4% births
2005	#5434	23	▼ down 907 · -12% births
2000	#4527	26	▼ down 1170 · -21% births
1995	#3357	33	▼ down 278 · -8% births
1990	#3079	36	▼ down 826 · -20% births
1985	#2253	45	▼ down 241 · -13% births
1980	#2012	52	▼ down 322 · -7% births
1975	#1690	56	▼ down 418 · -35% births
1970	#1272	86	▼ down 327 · -26% births
1965	#945	117	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cornelia

Best Year1900Rank #224

Peak Count1,640

Average Rank#1647

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Cornelia

Cornelia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 21,875 babies have received this name. Once ranked #147 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #560 in 2023. Cornelia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Cornelia in 1880:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Cornelia by decade

Cornelia peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	1,020
1890s	1,332
1900s	1,630
1910s	3,455
1920s ★	3,965
1930s	2,738
1940s	2,509
1950s	1,812
1960s	1,314
1970s	698
1980s	526
1990s	320
2000s	228
2010s	293
2020s	35

What are good nicknames for Cornelia?

CZECH

Nela

DUTCH

CokkieCorrieLiaLieke

GERMAN

CoraKoraNele

ANCIENT ROMAN

Cornelius

Famous people named Cornelia

Cornelia (historical Roman figure)

Cornelia carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.

Cornelia (Renaissance scholar)

Cornelia used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

Cornelia (Renaissance scholar)

Cornelia used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Cornelia?

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

Latin · to be content

How is Cornelia written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Cornelia

What does the name Cornelia mean?

Cornelia means "Horn" — a name rooted in Latin 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 Cornelia?

Cornelia is currently ranked #560 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 Cornelia?

Cornelia originates from Latin tradition. Latin 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 Cornelia?

Cornelia is a three-syllable name pronounced K AO0 R N IY1 L Y AH0. 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 Cornelia?

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