Cornell is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It was created by Samuel Clemens, who is better known by his pen name Mark Twain, for his grandson Oscar's twin brother in 1879. The name Cornell means "horn hill" or "fortress on the horn," which can be interpreted as being strong-willed and steadfast.
The name gained popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but has since become less common, making it a rare find today. Despite its rarity, the name Cornell is still used occasionally, especially among families who wish to honor Twain's legacy or those drawn to its unique sound and meaning.
Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, was founded in 1865 and is named after its benefactor, Ezra Cornell. While not directly related to the given name, it is worth noting that the university shares the same origin story as the name itself, having been established by Ezra Cornell with the assistance of Andrew Dickson White.
In summary, Cornell is a distinctively American name with a rich history rooted in literature and education. Its meaning evokes strength and resilience, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique name with a meaningful origin story.
Based on the provided statistics, the popularity of the name Cornell in the United States has seen significant fluctuations over the past century.
In the early 20th century, the number of babies named Cornell remained relatively low, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1890 and 1913. However, starting from 1914, there was a notable increase in popularity, with the number of annual births reaching 30 or more.
The peak of popularity for the name Cornell occurred during the post-World War II baby boom era. Between 1946 and 1957, the number of yearly births ranged from 130 to 226, indicating that Cornell was a favored choice among parents during this period.
However, as with many names, popularity can change over time. After the 1950s, the number of annual births named Cornell began to decline. By the 1970s and 1980s, it ranged between 120 and 160 births per year.
In recent years, the name Cornell has become less common, with fewer than 50 babies named Cornell each year since 2014. The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were only 21 births of boys named Cornell in the United States.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, it is worth noting that over the entire period from 1890 to 2023, a total of 11,310 babies were named Cornell in the United States. This indicates that while the name may not be as popular today as it was in the mid-20th century, it remains an enduring choice for parents seeking a unique and memorable name for their child.