MallowbyNames

Corliss

KOR-liss · of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Carol or a modern coinage

Peak popularity
1946
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Corliss since 1913

Babies named Corliss per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61121182192019602000Most births 1946GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1910s672
1920s159108
1930s8271
1940s73524
1950s1,11617
1960s4427
1970s1850
1980s790
1990s4044
2000s50
2010s00
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Corliss is a name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1919, with its highest usage in the 1940s, peaking in 1946. Despite never breaking into the top 1000, it reflects a mid-century style of soft, melodic feminine names sharing sounds with Carol and Doris. Its trajectory has been stable but very low, with few births in recent years. The name has no recorded top states or notable bearers, making it a rare and distinctive choice with a vintage feel.

The name Corliss first appeared in the United States in the early 20th century, possibly as a feminine variant of Corliss, an English surname, or as a modern invention drawing on sounds from names like Carol and Doris. Its usage peaked in the 1940s and has since declined, remaining uncommon. No clear etymological root has been established.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cory, Liss

Sibling names for Corliss

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

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

C is for Corliss, our favorite little girl.

C is for Corliss…”

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

Make Corliss's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Corliss mean?
The meaning of Corliss is uncertain. It may be a feminine form of the surname Corliss or a modern coinage with no traditional meaning.
How popular is the name Corliss?
Corliss has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names. Its peak year was 1946, but exact rank data is not available.
Is Corliss a boy or girl name?
Corliss is primarily used for girls, though it has occasionally been given to boys. In recent decades it is almost exclusively feminine.