Meaning, origin, history
Cornelius is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman clan name Cornelia, which was itself derived from the Latin word "cornu," meaning "horn." The name Cornelius means "horn" or "strong as a horn." It is a masculine given name and has been used throughout history.
The earliest known usage of the name Cornelius dates back to ancient Rome. One of the most famous historical figures with this name was Cornelius Nepos, a Roman historian who lived in the 1st century BC. He wrote biographies of notable Romans and Greeks, including Atticus, Cicero, and Catiline.
In the New Testament of the Bible, Cornelius is also mentioned as a centurion in the Roman army. He was the first gentile convert to Christianity and is considered a saint by some Christian denominations.
The name Cornelius gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Christians who saw it as a symbol of piety due to its biblical associations. It has remained a popular given name throughout the centuries, although its usage has varied in different cultures and time periods.
Some variations of the name Cornelius include Cornelia (feminine), Cornelio (Italian), Corney (Dutch), Kornel (Hungarian), and Korneel (Flemish). Today, Cornelius is still used as a given name, with its popularity varying by country and region.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cornelious since 1880
Total births
2,475
Total since 1880
Peak year
1921
42 births
in 2021
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-76%
↘
vs previous 5 years