Cordelia is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of Latin origin. It means "daughter of the heart" or "heart's daughter," which makes it a deeply meaningful and sentimental choice for parents looking to bestow their child with a distinctive moniker.
The name Cordelia has its roots in Roman mythology, where it was borne by the daughter of King Lear in Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name. In the play, Cordelia is known for her loyalty, honesty, and filial piety, as she remains true to her father even when her sisters betray him. This association with the tragic heroine has contributed to the name's enduring appeal.
Throughout history, Cordelia has been a popular choice among nobility and royalty. It was used by several European monarchs and their families, including Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who named one of her daughters Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (also known as Princess Louise), whose middle name was Cordelia. This further solidified the name's association with elegance, grace, and high status.
Today, Cordelia remains a rare yet beloved given name, favored by parents who wish to give their daughter an uncommon yet meaningful moniker with a rich history and literary heritage. Despite its Shakespearean origins and associations with tragedy, many families choose Cordelia for its beauty, uniqueness, and poignant meaning. Whether you're seeking a name that reflects your love for literature, history, or simply want to give your child a distinctive and memorable identity, Cordelia is an excellent choice.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Cordelia has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were fewer than 100 births per year with the name Cordelia. However, starting from around 1905, we begin to see an upward trend in its usage. By the time we reach 1912, there are over 90 births recorded for that year.
This growth continues throughout the early and mid-20th century, with peaks such as 146 births in 1919 and 135 births in 1915. After a brief decline around the mid-century period, the popularity of Cordelia starts to rise again from the late 1980s onwards.
In recent years, we've seen a substantial increase in newborn girls being named Cordelia. For example, there were 267 births with that name recorded in 2014 and this figure has continued to rise, reaching a peak of 253 births in 2020. This trend continues into the current decade with 242 births registered in 2022.
Overall, these statistics indicate that while Cordelia was not a very common name at its inception, it has since grown in popularity over time to become one of the more frequently used names today.