Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Cornelia
GirlLatin· “feminine of Cornelius; possibly horn”
- Meaning
- feminine of Cornelius; possibly horn
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- kor-NEEL-yuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #3,138
- US babies 2025
- 51
- Best rank
- #147 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Cornelia
Cornelia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “feminine of Cornelius; possibly horn”.
Cornelia is the feminine form of Cornelius, a Roman family name whose meaning is uncertain; it is often linked to the Latin cornu, horn. The most famous Roman Cornelia was the mother of the Gracchi brothers, admired as a model of Roman motherhood and virtue. The name was revived in the Renaissance and used in England and the United States. It is said kor-NEEL-yuh. In the United States it was a steady choice in the nineteenth century. Nell and Neely are possible nicknames, and it pairs well with other classical names.
Popularity over time
Cornelia 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 86 different years. Its best national rank was #147 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 477 were named Cornelia. In 2025, 51 babies were named Cornelia, and it ranked #3,138 nationally. That is 82% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #307 in 1920, #588 in 1950, #2,021 in 1980, #4,556 in 2000, #5,653 in 2010, and #3,138 in 2025. Of the 22,076 US girls named Cornelia since records began, 18% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 3,455 babies. Since 2010, 551 more have been named Cornelia.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Odessa, Madge, Dollie, Alyce, and Aline.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cornelia ranked highest in New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #2164 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Cornelia is usually pronounced kor-NEEL-yuh, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with C and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Cornelia
A few middle names that flow with Cornelia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cornelia
Similar names
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Lists that include Cornelia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cornelia mean?
Cornelia is a Latin name that is usually said to mean “feminine of Cornelius; possibly horn”.
What is the origin of the name Cornelia?
Cornelia has Latin roots. Cornelia is the feminine form of Cornelius, a Roman family name whose meaning is uncertain; it is often linked to the Latin cornu, horn.
Is Cornelia a popular name?
Not especially. Cornelia ranked #3,138 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cornelia a boy or girl name?
Cornelia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Cornelia?
Cornelia is usually pronounced kor-NEEL-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