Cornelia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Cornelii, which was taken from the male cognomen Cornelius. The name is believed to have been coined by Publius Cornelius Scipio, who added it as an accolade for his courage in battle during the Second Punic War against Hannibal.
The meaning of Cornelia is associated with a variety of interpretations depending on its translation and context. Some sources suggest that Cornelia means "horn" or "small horn," referring to the Latin word cornus. Others interpret it as signifying "girl" or "maiden" from the Latin word cornu, which can denote a maiden's headdress or a young girl.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures bearing the name Cornelia. One of the most famous is Cornelia, the daughter of Scipio Africanus and wife of Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus, who was a prominent Roman general during the Second Punic War. Their son, also named Scipio, became known as Scipio Africanus the Younger after his victory against Carthage.
Another notable figure is Cornelia, the mother of the Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius Sempronius Gracchus, who were influential statesmen and advocates for social reform in ancient Rome. Cornelia was renowned for her intelligence, strength of character, and devotion to her family.
In more recent times, Cornelia has been used as a given name in various cultures, with notable bearers including the British author Cornelia Funke, known for her popular children's books such as "The Thief Lord" and the "Inkheart" trilogy. Additionally, the Dutch-born American astronomer Cornelia B. Ottevaere was an early advocate for women in science.
Today, Cornelia remains a less common but elegant choice for a girl's name, carrying with it a rich history and strong associations with intelligence, courage, and elegance. Its Latin origins give it an air of sophistication, while its unique sound makes it stand out among more common names. As with many historical names, the popularity of Cornelia has waxed and waned over time, but it continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its timeless appeal and deep-rooted meaning.
The name Cornelia has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 19th century, its usage was quite common, with over 60 births each year between 1880 and 1883. However, it began to decline in popularity in the following years, dropping below 50 births annually by the early 20th century.
The name continued to lose favor throughout the first half of the 20th century, with fewer than 30 births each year between 1946 and 1977. The lowest point was reached in 1967, when only 81 babies were named Cornelia.
Despite its decline in popularity, Cornelia has remained a rare but enduring name choice for American parents. Between 1978 and 2023, there have been between 50 to 16 births each year with the name Cornelia, indicating that while it may not be widely used, it is still occasionally chosen by families.
Interestingly, there has been a recent resurgence in popularity for the name Cornelia. After reaching an all-time low of just 16 births in 2007, its usage has steadily increased since then, with over 50 births each year between 2018 and 2023. This suggests that the name may be experiencing a renaissance among American parents.
In total, there have been 21,984 births of the name Cornelia in the United States from 1880 to 2023. While its popularity has waxed and waned over the years, it remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents seeking an uncommon name for their child.