Cornelius

Pronunciation: [ k-awrn-EELY-uhs ]

Boy Name #2,160 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

A Roman patrician name worthy of empire-builders

Roman Dutch English German

Classic Vintage Sophisticated Strong

Meaning & Origin

"horn, strong-willed"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

"of the Cornelia family"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

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.

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

Famous People Named Cornelius

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Business

1794

American railroad and shipping magnate who founded one of Americas greatest industrial dynasties

Cornelius Fictional

Other

Chimpanzee archaeologist and protagonist of Planet of the Apes

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

Cornell #4449

Common Nicknames

Corny Neil Connie Cory

Pairs Well With

Cornelius James Cornelius Edward Cornelius Augustus Cornelius Henry Cornelius William

Sibling Names

Octavia Maximilian Beatrix Archibald Lavinia

Also a Girl Name

Cornelius is also used as a girl name, ranked #49038.

View Cornelius as a girl name →

Similar Names

Neal Nile Niles Nyle Neel Nigel Niall Nael

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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.

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.