Korinna

Meaning & origin

Korinna is a modern feminine name, first recorded in 1964, that reflects the enduring appeal of names ending in the melodic '-ina' sound. Its popularity peaked in 1994, and since 2010 the name has been on the rise again, suggesting a quiet comeback among parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive choice. The spelling with a K sets it apart from the more common Corinna and Corina, giving it a contemporary edge. While it has not charted in any top state data, its trajectory indicates steady, niche use. Korinna offers the flexibility of nicknames like Kori or Rinna, and it pairs well with sibling names such as Karina, Kieran, and Annika. Though of Greek origin via Corinna, the K-spelling places it firmly within the American modern naming tradition.

Korinna is a modern spelling variant of Corinna, which itself comes from the ancient Greek name Korinna (Κόριννα), a feminine form of a word meaning 'maiden' or 'girl.' The name Corinna was used by the Greek poet Corinna of Tanagra (5th century BCE). The spellings with K emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, as part of a trend of using K as a distinctive initial.