Cornell is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Cornwall, which itself is derived from the county of Cornwall in southwest England. The name means "from the hornlands" or "by the sea," reflecting the coastal location of the county.
The use of Cornell as a given name is relatively modern compared to its use as a surname. It gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable figures such as American astronomer Carl O. Lampland (born Carl Oregon Lampland), who went by the name Cornell Lampland, contributing to its rise in popularity.
Cornell has also been used as a given name in other English-speaking countries, although it remains more common in the United States. Despite its relative rarity compared to more traditional names like John or James, Cornell has a unique appeal due to its association with education and learning.
The most famous institution associated with the name Cornell is Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York. The university was named after its principal benefactor, Ezra Cornell, who was born in New York State but had spent his early years in Cornwall, Connecticut. The university's motto, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study," reflects the founders' commitment to accessible and comprehensive education.
In conclusion, the name Cornell is of English origin, derived from the county of Cornwall. It has a unique meaning related to coastal locations and gained popularity as a given name during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While it may not be as common as some other names, its association with education, particularly through Cornell University, gives it a distinctive and appealing character.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Cornell in the United States:
From 1915 to 2015, there were a total of 348 babies named Cornell in the United States. The popularity of the name varied over time, with peaks occurring in certain years.
In the early 20th century, the name Cornell saw some popularity, with around 10-13 births per year between 1915 and 1923. However, after that period, the number of babies named Cornell began to decline steadily until it reached a low point in the late 1940s to early 1950s, with only around 5 births per year.
Interestingly, there was a brief resurgence in the popularity of the name Cornell in the mid-20th century. In 1952, there were 14 babies named Cornell, which is the highest number recorded in any single year during this period. This spike in popularity may have been influenced by trends or cultural events at that time.
After 1952, the number of babies named Cornell continued to fluctuate but generally remained relatively low until the early 1960s. Between 1960 and 1973, there were typically around 5-8 births per year with the name Cornell.
Overall, while the name Cornell has not been particularly common in recent decades, its history reflects some interesting trends and patterns in baby naming over the course of the 20th century.