Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cordell
BoyEnglish, French· “cord maker”
- Meaning
- cord maker
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- kor-DEL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,977
- US babies 2025
- 77
- Best rank
- #531 (1998)
- Peak year
- 1998
Meaning and origin of Cordell
Cordell is an English and French name that is usually said to mean “cord maker”.
Cordell is an English and French surname for a maker or seller of cord or rope, from the Old French corde. As a given name it has been used in the United States since the nineteenth century. Cordell Hull, the American secretary of state who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in founding the United Nations, is a famous bearer. The name has a smooth, confident sound, with the stress on the second syllable, and Cord and Dell make easy nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kordell.
Popularity over time
Cordell first appears in US Social Security records in 1904. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 56 different years, starting in 1933. Its best national rank was #531 in 1998, the same year it reached its highest count of 387 babies. In 2025, 77 babies were named Cordell, and it ranked #1,977 nationally. That is 41% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,186 in 1920, #960 in 1950, #996 in 1980, #640 in 2000, #1,264 in 2010, and #1,977 in 2025. Of the 10,840 US boys named Cordell since records began, 22% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,961 babies. Since 2010, 1,645 more have been named Cordell.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Nathanial, Quintin, Stephon, Ronaldo, and Coleman.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cordell ranked highest in Missouri, North Carolina, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | #893 | 5 |
| North Carolina | #1312 | 5 |
| Florida | #1377 | 8 |
| Texas | #1945 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Cordell is usually pronounced kor-DEL, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with C and ends in “-ll”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kordell.
Middle names for Cordell
A few middle names that flow with Cordell: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cordell
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Lists that include Cordell
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cordell mean?
Cordell is an English and French name that is usually said to mean “cord maker”.
What is the origin of the name Cordell?
Cordell has English and French roots. Cordell is an English and French surname for a maker or seller of cord or rope, from the Old French corde.
Is Cordell a popular name?
Not especially. Cordell ranked #1,977 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cordell a boy or girl name?
Cordell is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Cordell?
Cordell is usually pronounced kor-DEL. 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