MallowbyNames

Corita

koh-REE-tah · probably a feminine form of the Italian name Corito, itself a diminutive of names like Corrado or possibly related to the Spanish name Corita meaning 'little heart' (from 'cora'), but the derivation remains uncertain.

Peak popularity
1921
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Corita since 1921

Babies named Corita per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1946, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Corita's real moment was 1921.

371019602000Most births 1946Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1920s13
1930s17
1940s26
1950s10
1960s34
1970s30
1980s28
1990s5
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Corita is a rare and delicate name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1921, its peak year, when it was recorded a handful of times. Since then, its usage has been stable but minimal, with no recent resurgence. The name's uncertain etymology adds to its mysterious charm, perhaps linking it to Italian or Spanish roots. Its connection to the popular nickname Cora makes it accessible, while its rarity offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking an unusual vintage name.

Corita likely originated as a feminine Italian diminutive, possibly from Corito (a short form of Corrado, Italian for Conrad). An alternative Spanish derivation suggests it may come from 'cora' (heart), meaning 'little heart'. The name saw minor use in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s, but has remained rare since.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cora, Rita, Cori

Variants: Corita, Corina, Corinna

Sibling names for Corita

Names that share Corita's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Lucia, Vera, Carmen, Alma, Rosa, Jorita

Brothers: Mario, Leo, Aldo, Enzo, Rico

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Corita, our favorite little girl.

C is for Corita…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Corita's letter becomes Corita's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Corita's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Corita mean?
The meaning is uncertain. It may be an Italian diminutive of Corrado or a Spanish name derived from 'cora' meaning 'heart'.
Is Corita a popular name today?
Corita is very rare. It peaked in 1921 when it was first recorded, but has not ranked in the top 1,000 names in recent decades.
Is Corita a girl's name?
Yes, Corita is exclusively used as a feminine name.