Cornelius Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Cornelius originates from Latin, meaning 'horn'. It has undergone several transformations across languages, maintaining its core meaning. The biblical figure Cornelius enhances its significance in Christian traditions. Today, it is perceived as a classic name, associated with attributes of wisdom and strength, with a notable historical presence.
The name Cornelius is most popular in Mississippi, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Cornelius has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Cornelius' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 265th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 323rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 427th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 424th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 499th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 943rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1531st out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2667th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3512th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4988th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6670th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12044th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Cornelius' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Cornelius"
Pronunciation
/kɔːrˈniːliəs/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Cornelius is derived from the Latin name 'Cornelius', which is believed to have originated from the Latin word 'cornu', meaning 'horn'.
Meaning
horn
Language Evolution
Cornelius (Latin), Cornélien (Old French), Cornélio (Portuguese), Cornelio (Italian and Spanish)
Biblical Background
Cornelius is mentioned in the New Testament as a Roman centurion who is considered the first Gentile convert to Christianity.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Christian contexts during the early centuries of the Church, particularly due to the biblical figure Cornelius.
Variants & Derivatives
Cory, Corny, Nels
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Cornelius is viewed as a classic name with a traditional and dignified image, often associated with wisdom and strength.
Famous People
Cornelius Vanderbilt (American business magnate), Cornelius Agrippa (German magician and scholar), Cornelius Ryan (Irish-American author and journalist)
Explore More Cornelius Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Cornelius"
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 of "Cornelius"
"Cornelius" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 265th of 7545 | 7,170 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 323rd of 6773 | 5,436 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 427th of 7552 | 5,858 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 424th of 10718 | 5,723 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 499th of 16616 | 5,843 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 943rd of 24088 | 3,059 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1531st of 23106 | 1,355 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2667th of 9107 | 199 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3512th of 9204 | 123 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4988th of 12526 | 116 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6670th of 19264 | 107 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12044th of 27321 | 67 |
Regional Popularity of "Cornelius" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
20.41% 289th/1416 |
13.20% 182nd/1379 |
11.58% 274th/2366 |
41.42% 473rd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
22.70% 351st/1546 |
12.53% 195th/1556 |
13.90% 327th/2353 |
35.62% 551st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
19.53% 435th/2227 |
13.79% 335th/2430 |
13.56% 387th/2853 |
22.52% 625th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
14.98% 440th/2937 |
13.09% 456th/3483 |
9.21% 324th/3518 |
18.57% 751st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.38% 493rd/3685 |
15.78% 706th/4475 |
6.74% 350th/5194 |
16.34% 1032nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.67% 993rd/4582 |
31.87% 1646th/5164 |
9.15% 669th/7313 |
25.41% 1896th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
34.49% 1374th/3984 |
54.98% 2467th/4487 |
17.69% 1207th/6822 |
40.89% 2566th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Cornelius" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
100.00% 2353rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Cornelius"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Cornelius" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.