What does Cornelius mean and where does it come from?
Originally a masculine name derived from the Latin 'cornu', meaning 'horn'. It has been used as a female name, especially in modern interpretations and cultures. In recent times, Cornelia (the feminine form) has gained popularity, often linked with historical figures. Cornelius was notably used in A
Cultural significance
Cornelius has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of horn.
Peak popularity
Reached #1059 in 1888 — currently #910 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cornelius?
Cornelius works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cornelius Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cornelius Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cornelius Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cornelius Claire
French influence · crisp
Cornelius Jane
Literary · strong
Cornelius Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cornelius right now?
Holding steady — currently #910 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #910 | 1,290 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #915 | 1,270 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #920 | 1,240 | ▲ up 12062 · +24700% births |
| 1990 | #12982 | 5 | ▼ down 4641 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #8341 | 7 | ▼ down 2414 · -36% births |
| 1980 | #5927 | 11 | ▲ up 68 · +22% births |
| 1975 | #5995 | 9 | ▼ down 925 · -10% births |
| 1970 | #5070 | 10 | ▲ up 760 · +67% births |
| 1965 | #5830 | 6 | ▼ down 1432 · -25% births |
| 1955 | #4398 | 8 | ▼ down 412 |
| 1950 | #3986 | 8 | ▲ up 61 · +33% births |
| 1945 | #4047 | 6 | ▼ down 520 · -14% births |
| 1940 | #3527 | 7 | ▲ up 234 · +17% births |
| 1935 | #3761 | 6 | ▼ down 1448 · -57% births |
| 1930 | #2313 | 14 | — |
The story of Cornelius
Cornelius has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. A total of 36,621 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1628 in 1895 to #910 in 2023. Cornelius is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cornelius in 1888:
Cornelius by decade
Cornelius peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 918 | |
| 1890s | 870 | |
| 1900s | 991 | |
| 1910s | 3,137 | |
| 1920s | 4,142 | |
| 1930s | 3,200 | |
| 1940s | 2,781 | |
| 1950s | 3,273 | |
| 1960s | 2,830 | |
| 1970s | 4,046 | |
| 1980s ★ | 4,150 | |
| 1990s | 2,896 | |
| 2000s | 1,922 | |
| 2010s | 1,357 | |
| 2020s | 108 | |
What are good nicknames for Cornelius?
DUTCH
CeesCornéKaiKeesNiels
Famous people named Cornelius
C(
Cornelius (Renaissance scholar)
Cornelius used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
C(
Cornelius (Renaissance scholar)
Cornelius used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
C(
Cornelius (historical Roman figure)
Cornelius carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cornelius?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cornelius also consider these
How is Cornelius written in other languages?
Gender variants of Cornelius
Common questions about the name Cornelius
What does the name Cornelius mean?
Cornelius 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 Cornelius?
Cornelius is currently ranked #910 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 Cornelius?
Cornelius 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 Cornelius?
Cornelius is a three-syllable name pronounced K AO0 R N IY1 L Y AH0 S. 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 Cornelius?
Cornelius 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.