Cornelius is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Cornelia or Cornelii, which was likely originally an ethnic name meaning "from Cornwall" in reference to the ancient Celtic tribe known as the Cornovii who inhabited the region now known as Cornwall in southwestern England.
The name Cornelius has been used throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Saint Cornelius, a third-century pope and martyr who was revered by early Christians. Additionally, Cornelius Agrippa was a 16th-century German philosopher and occultist whose works had a significant impact on the development of Western esotericism.
In terms of its meaning, Cornelius generally signifies "bold" or "valiant," reflecting the strength and courage associated with the ancient Roman and Celtic cultures from which it originated. Today, Cornelius is still considered an uncommon yet prestigious name choice for boys, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In literature and popular culture, Cornelius has been used as a character name in various works, including "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis, where he appears as a wise and noble centaur, and "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells, featuring a distant descendant named Cornelius. Overall, the name Cornelius carries a rich history and unique meaning that makes it an attractive choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive and meaningful name.
The name Cornelius has been consistently used in the United States over the past century, with a total of 642 babies being given this name since 1888. The name's popularity has fluctuated over time, with periods of increased usage followed by declines.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Cornelius was relatively uncommon, with fewer than ten births recorded per year between 1888 and 1920. However, there were a few notable spikes in popularity during this time, such as in 1923 when 17 babies were named Cornelius.
The 1920s saw a steady increase in the usage of the name Cornelius, with an average of around ten births per year between 1921 and 1929. This trend continued into the 1930s, with several years seeing more than ten babies being named Cornelius.
The mid-20th century was a period of relative stability for the name Cornelius, with an average of around six to eight births per year between 1950 and 1970. There were a few notable spikes in popularity during this time, such as in 1968 when ten babies were named Cornelius.
In recent decades, the usage of the name Cornelius has declined somewhat, with an average of around five to nine births per year between 1971 and 2020. However, there have been several years where the name has seen a resurgence in popularity, such as in 1986 when ten babies were named Cornelius.
Overall, while the usage of the name Cornelius has fluctuated over time, it has remained consistently present in the United States for over a century. With a total of 642 births since 1888, Cornelius is a name that has been passed down through generations and continues to be used today.