The name Corneal is of Latin origin and means "horn-shaped." It is derived from the Latin word "cornu," which means "horn." The name has been used throughout history, but it is not particularly common in any particular region or culture.
One of the earliest known figures with the name Corneal was St. Corneal, a martyr from the 3rd century Roman Empire. According to legend, Corneal was a soldier who refused to renounce his Christian faith even under threat of torture and execution. His bravery and devotion earned him sainthood after his death.
In medieval Europe, the name Corneal was often used as a personal name or a byname for people with physical characteristics such as a prominent nose or horns on their head (though it's unlikely that anyone actually had horns). The name also appears in literature during this time period, including in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer.
Today, Corneal is not widely used as a given name, but it can still be found occasionally. It may be more commonly encountered as a surname, particularly in France and Italy. Overall, Corneal is a name with an interesting history and a unique meaning, but one that has never been particularly popular or widespread.
In the United States, the name Corneal experienced a unique occurrence in terms of its popularity among newborns during the year 1923. In that specific year, there were a total of five babies born who were given this distinctive name. This figure represents a singular instance as it is not reflective of the overall trend for baby names in the United States either before or after this period. While Corneal may be an uncommon name today, its appearance among newborns during 1923 demonstrates that even rare names can find their way onto birth certificates from time to time. It's fascinating to consider the families who chose this name and the reasons behind it, making these five children born in 1923 stand out among their peers due to their uncommon moniker.