Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Cordelia
GirlLatin· “uncertain; possibly heart”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly heart (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- kawr-DEEL-yuh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #981
- US babies 2025
- 258
- Best rank
- #204 (1880)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Cordelia
Cordelia is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly heart”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Latin roots.
Cordelia is best known as the youngest, faithful daughter of King Lear in Shakespeare's tragedy. The name's origin is uncertain; it may come from Cordeilla, a figure in medieval British legend, and it is often linked to the Latin cor, "heart," though that connection is not proven. In L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, Anne wishes to be called Cordelia because she thinks it sounds elegant. Cordelia has a romantic, literary feel, and Delia and Cora are nicknames.
Popularity over time
Cordelia has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 72 different years. Its best national rank was #204 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 286 were named Cordelia. In 2025, 258 babies were named Cordelia, and it ranked #981 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #661 in 1920, #980 in 1950, #2,396 in 1980, #2,409 in 2000, #1,301 in 2010, and #981 in 2025. Of the 12,906 US girls named Cordelia since records began, 18% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,458 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Annabell, Ayva, Kensington, Anabel, and Pyper.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cordelia ranked highest in Oregon, Minnesota, and Iowa.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #499 | 7 |
| Minnesota | #513 | 10 |
| Iowa | #515 | 6 |
| South Carolina | #624 | 7 |
| Utah | #626 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Cordelia is usually pronounced kawr-DEEL-yuh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with C and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Cordelia
A few middle names that flow with Cordelia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cordelia
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Lists that include Cordelia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cordelia mean?
Cordelia is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly heart”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Cordelia?
Cordelia has Latin roots. Cordelia is best known as the youngest, faithful daughter of King Lear in Shakespeare's tragedy.
Is Cordelia a popular name?
Yes. Cordelia ranked #981 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Cordelia a boy or girl name?
Cordelia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Cordelia?
Cordelia is usually pronounced kawr-DEEL-yuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings