"horn, strong-willed"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Cornelius
Pronunciation: [ k-awrn-EELY-uhs ]
Does Cornelius flow with your last name?
A Roman patrician name worthy of empire-builders
Roman
Dutch
English
German
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Sophisticated
Strong
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Meaning & Origin
"of the Cornelia family"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Cornelius
Cornelius is an ancient Roman family name, borne by the prestigious Cornelia gens, one of Rome greatest patrician families. The name likely derives from the Latin cornu, meaning horn, possibly a reference to the cornucopia or strength. The Cornelii produced great figures like Scipio Africanus, who defeated Hannibal, and the Gracchi brothers.
Cornelius was popular in the Netherlands and among Dutch immigrants, which brought it to America. It has been carried by American industrial titans like Cornelius Vanderbilt. Today it is experiencing a revival as parents seek weighty, uncommon Victorian-era names with gravitas.
In the Netherlands, Cornelis and its Latin form Cornelius have been popular for centuries, associated with the Catholic feast day of Pope Cornelius. In Roman history, the Cornelia gens was one of the most distinguished families, making this a name with deep aristocratic and intellectual heritage.
Historical Record
Cornelius first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 20,662 babies have been named Cornelius in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cornelius is past its peak , currently ranked #2,160 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cornelius Vanderbilt built a railroad empire and donated $1 million to found Vanderbilt University
- The ancient Roman Cornelia gens produced Scipio Africanus, who defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama
Cornelius in Other Languages
Dutch
Cornelis
French
Corneille
German
Cornelius
Italian
Cornelio
Spanish
Cornelio
Popularity Over Time
#2,160
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1974
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cornelius
C
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Business
1794
American railroad and shipping magnate who founded one of Americas greatest industrial dynasties
C
Cornelius Fictional
Other
Chimpanzee archaeologist and protagonist of Planet of the Apes
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,160
- Total SSA Count
- 68
- Cultural Origins
- Roman Dutch English German
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Corny
Neil
Connie
Cory
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cornelius
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cornelius is also used as a girl name, ranked #49038.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cornelius
What does the name Cornelius mean?
"horn, strong-willed" (from Latin). "of the Cornelia family" (from Latin). Cornelius is an ancient Roman family name, borne by the prestigious Cornelia gens, one of Rome greatest patrician families. The name likely derives from the Latin cornu, meaning horn, possibly a reference to the cornucopia or strength. The Cornelii produced great figures like Scipio Africanus, who defeated Hannibal, and the Gracchi brothers.
What is the origin of the name Cornelius?
Cornelius has Latin, Roman, Dutch, English, and German origins. In Latin, it means "horn, strong-willed". In Latin, it means "of the Cornelia family".
Is Cornelius a boy or girl name?
Cornelius is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2160. As a girl name, it is ranked #49038. Cornelius is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cornelius?
Cornelius is pronounced k-awrn-EELY-uhs.
How popular is the name Cornelius?
Cornelius is currently ranked #2160 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cornelius?
Common nicknames for Cornelius include Corny, Neil, Connie, and Cory.
What are good middle names for Cornelius?
Popular middle name pairings include Cornelius James, Cornelius Edward, Cornelius Augustus, Cornelius Henry, and Cornelius William.
What are good sibling names for Cornelius?
Names that pair well with Cornelius as siblings include Octavia, Maximilian, Beatrix, Archibald, and Lavinia.
How many syllables does Cornelius have?
Cornelius has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Cornelius a common or rare name?
Cornelius is an uncommon name, ranked #2160 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Cornelius?
Are there other spellings for Cornelius?
Related spellings include Cornell.
About the Name Cornelius
Cornelius is a boy name with Roman, Dutch, English, and German origins . The name means "horn, strong-willed" in Latin .
Is Cornelius a boy or girl name? Cornelius is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,160 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #49,038. Cornelius is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cornelius is currently ranked #2,160 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cornelius has 4 syllables and is pronounced k-awrn-EELY-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Cornelius include Corny, Neil, Connie, and Cory. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Cornelius include Cornell . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis