Declining since 1987, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Cornell since 1890
Babies named Cornell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 |
| 1900s | 37 |
| 1910s | 310 |
| 1920s | 443 |
| 1930s | 522 |
| 1940s | 1,004 |
| 1950s | 2,011 |
| 1960s | 1,773 |
| 1970s | 1,514 |
| 1980s | 1,326 |
| 1990s | 949 |
| 2000s | 768 |
| 2010s | 529 |
| 2020s | 150 |
Meaning & origin
Cornell is a rare masculine given name with uncertain origins, possibly derived from a surname or from the Latin Cornelius. Its usage in the United States dates back to at least 1890, but it has never been common. The name saw its highest popularity in 1962, ranking among the top 6000 names at that time. Since 1987, its usage has been steadily declining. In 2025, Cornell was given to only 1 in every 122,005 boys, placing it at rank 6143. The name's association with Cornell University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, gives it an academic and intellectual air.
The origin of Cornell is uncertain. It may be a transferred use of the Cornell surname, which has multiple possible origins: from Old French corneille 'crow', hence a nickname for someone thought to resemble a crow; or from a place name in Cornwall, England. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Latin name Cornelius. As a given name, Cornell came into use in the United States in the late 19th century, possibly influenced by the fame of Cornell University (founded 1865).
Where Cornell 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
Sibling names for Cornell
Names that share Cornell's style, for a brother or sister.
