Declining since 1985, #1,906 for boys today.
Popularity of Cornelius since 1880
Babies named Cornelius per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1974, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cornelius's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 911 |
| 1890s | 853 |
| 1900s | 956 |
| 1910s | 3,066 |
| 1920s | 4,021 |
| 1930s | 3,122 |
| 1940s | 2,733 |
| 1950s | 3,215 |
| 1960s | 2,777 |
| 1970s | 3,975 |
| 1980s | 4,080 |
| 1990s | 2,891 |
| 2000s | 1,923 |
| 2010s | 1,360 |
| 2020s | 524 |
Meaning & origin
Cornelius is a name of Roman heritage, with roots stretching back to antiquity. Its popularity in the U.S. peaked in 1882, when it was among the more common names for boys, but it has since fallen out of favor. As of 2025, it ranks 1906th with a frequency of 1 in 20,830 births, placing it in the category of rare but recognized classics. The name has maintained a steady but low-profile presence, particularly in states like Michigan, Texas, and California during its peak era. Its trajectory has been declining since 1985, mirroring broader trends away from formal, multi-syllabic names of ancient origin. Despite its rarity, Cornelius retains a dignified, almost scholarly air, often associated with historical figures and literary references.
Cornelius is a Roman family name of uncertain etymology, commonly thought to derive from Latin 'cornu' (horn), referring to strength or a horn-shaped object. The name was borne by several notable Romans, including the famous general Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus. It gained popularity among early Christians due to Cornelius the Centurion, a convert in the Book of Acts. In English-speaking countries, the name saw modest use from the 17th century onward, peaking in the United States in the 1880s.
Where Cornelius is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Corny, Neil, Con
Variants: Cornelious, Cornel
Sibling names for Cornelius
Names that share Cornelius's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Cornelius
Names whose popularity has moved with Cornelius's over the last 50 years.
