Cortana is a unique and distinctive given name of Latin origin, derived from the word 'cortex', which means 'shell'. This name has a strong connection to ancient Roman culture and mythology, as it was often used for female slaves who were brought back from conquered territories.
The name Cortana first gained notable recognition during the Roman Empire, where it was used by several prominent figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Fulvia Cortana, a member of the gens Fulvia, a patrician family in ancient Rome. She is known for being the mother of Lucius Sergius Catilina, a prominent politician and military leader during the late Roman Republic.
Over time, the name Cortana has evolved and been adapted by various cultures around the world. In some regions, it has been used as a surname, while in others, it has been revived as a given name for both boys and girls. Today, Cortana is still relatively uncommon, but its unique sound and Latin origins make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
In popular culture, the name Cortana has gained further recognition through its association with Microsoft's virtual assistant of the same name. Introduced in 2009, the Cortana assistant was designed to provide users with proactive suggestions and assistance across various platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android devices. While not directly linked to the historical origins of the name, this modern-day Cortana has helped to further popularize the unique Latin-derived name.
Overall, Cortana is a compelling given name with deep roots in ancient Roman history. Its unique sound and Latin origins make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their child, while its association with Microsoft's virtual assistant has helped to bring this name into the modern spotlight.
The name Cortana has been given to babies of both sexes in the United States since at least 2008, according to available data. Here is an annual breakdown of the number of births with this name from 2008 to 2023:
* In 2008, there were 12 births registered as Cortana.
* The following year, in 2009, saw a decrease to 7 births.
* The years 2010 and 2011 both had 10 births each.
* In 2012, the number of births with this name remained steady at 10.
* There was a significant increase in 2013, with 21 births registered as Cortana.
* The year 2014 saw another decrease to 16 births.
* However, 2015 had a notable rise again, with 30 babies named Cortana being born that year.
* After 2015, the number of annual births with this name began to decline steadily:
+ There were 16 births in 2016,
+ followed by 6 and then 5 births respectively in 2017 and 2018.
* The years 2019 and 2020 saw a slight uptick, with 11 and 9 births registered as Cortana each year.
* Finally, in the most recent available data from 2021 and 2022, there were 8 and 12 births respectively with this name.
Overall, since 2008, a total of 189 babies have been named Cortana in the United States.