Girl · 303rd of 9,107
Cornelia
Generational story
Where Cornelia stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Cornelia is a name of Latin origin, meaning 'horn'. It evolved from the male name Cornelius and has been used since ancient Rome, often associated with nobility. While it has classical roots, it is perceived as elegant and strong in modern contexts, with various notable figures sharing the name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/kɔːrˈniːliə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Cornelia is derived from the Latin family name 'Cornelius', which is believed to be derived from the Latin word 'cornu', meaning 'horn'. It was traditionally used as a feminine form of the male name Cornelius.
Meaning
horn
Language Evolution
Cornelius, Cornelia
Historical Usage
Cornelia gained popularity in ancient Rome as a name associated with nobility and was borne by several notable women in Roman history. It has been used in various cultures since then.
Variants & Derivatives
Corneille, Nelia, Cora
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Cornelia is seen as a classic and elegant name, often associated with strength and femininity. It is less common than in previous centuries but retains a timeless charm.
Famous People
Cornelia Funke - German author known for children's literature, Cornelia Parker - British artist and sculptor
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 477 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 37 US states, with strongest presence in South Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6197th of 7545 | 14 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6350th of 6773 | 7 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 303rd of 9107 | 8,186 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 415th of 9204 | 4,947 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 706th of 12526 | 3,554 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1368th of 19264 | 1,264 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2525th of 27321 | 727 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5605th of 35406 | 355 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4036th of 30306 | 440 |