Cornelius is a masculine given name of Latin origin that means "horn" or "lion". It is derived from the Latin word "cornu", which means horn. The name Cornelius has been used throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures.
The earliest known bearer of the name Cornelius was a Roman centurion who is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Bible. According to the story, Cornelius had a vision from God telling him to send for Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, who then converts Cornelius and his household to Christianity. This event is significant because it marks one of the first instances of the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
Another notable bearer of the name Cornelius was Saint Cornelius, also known as Pope Cornelius I, who served as pope from 251 to 253 AD during a time of great persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. Despite the danger, Pope Cornelius stood up for the rights of Christians and worked to unify the Church.
The name Cornelius has been used throughout history and is still popular today in many English-speaking countries, as well as in other parts of Europe. It was particularly popular in the United States during the mid-20th century, where it reached its peak popularity in the 1940s.
Overall, the name Cornelius has a rich history and meaningful origins that make it a strong choice for a boy's name. Its Latin roots give it a classic and elegant sound, while its association with notable historical figures makes it a name with substance and character.
The name Cornelieus has seen limited usage in the United States, with only six babies born with this name in the year 1990. This figure represents all the births recorded that year for this particular name across the country. Despite its rarity, it's fascinating to note that each of these six individuals shares a unique moniker that sets them apart from many others in their generation.