All about the name

Cornellius

Male

« Cornelius is a Latin-derived name meaning 'horn', with historical significance traced back to ancient Rome and early Christianity. »

#14615 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Cornelius is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman clan name Cornelia, which was taken from the Latin word 'cornus', meaning 'horn'. The name Cornelius has been used throughout history and has evolved through various forms and spellings in different cultures. The name first appeared in Rome during the early Roman Republic. It is believed to have been brought to Rome by a Sabine family who settled there around 509 BC. The most famous bearer of this name was Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, a Roman general and statesman who lived during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). He is remembered for his victory over Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC. The name spread beyond Rome with the expansion of the Roman Empire. It was adopted by early Christians, with Saint Cornelius becoming a popular figure in Christian tradition. According to legend, Saint Cornelius was a centurion who converted to Christianity and became a martyr for his faith. His feast day is celebrated on September 11th. Throughout history, variations of the name have been used in different cultures. In England, the name Cornwell was used during the Middle Ages. In Germany, the name Kornelius has been popular since the Reformation. Today, Cornelius is used as a given name in many English-speaking countries, including the United States and Canada. In summary, Cornelius is a name of Latin origin that has evolved through various forms and spellings over time. It has been associated with notable figures throughout history, including Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus and Saint Cornelius. Today, it continues to be used as a given name in many cultures around the world.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Cornellius since 1880

Total births
144
Total since 1880
Peak year
1977
10 births
in 2008
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years