Find out how popular the first name Cordellia has been for the last 13 years (from 2009 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cordellia by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Cordellia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cordellia.

The history of the first name Cordellia

The name Cordellia has its origins in Latin and can be traced back to the medieval era. It is derived from the French word "corde," meaning heart, and the Latin word "cor," also meaning heart. The name was likely created as a combination of these two words, signifying a person with a kind and loving heart.

One of the earliest known references to the name Cordellia can be found in the play "King Lear" by William Shakespeare, written between 1605 and 1606. In the play, Cordellia is the youngest daughter of King Lear, portrayed as a caring and devoted character who refuses to flatter her father, leading to her initial rejection. Her unwavering love and loyalty for her father, despite his mistreatment, make her a tragic heroine in the play.

An early recorded instance of the name Cordellia dates back to the 16th century, when it was used for the daughter of King Henry VIII of England and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The princess, born in 1512, sadly died just three weeks after her birth.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cordellia, including Cordellia Knott (1834-1862), an American pioneer and member of the Knott family, who were among the founders of Knott's Berry Farm in California. Another prominent figure was Cordellia Leigh Brasher (1908-1981), an American philanthropist and socialite known for her charitable work and support of the arts.

In the literary world, Cordellia Tate (1871-1935) was an American writer and educator, best known for her children's book "The Sap-Green Meadows," published in 1911. Additionally, Cordellia Knott-Gregory (1844-1925) was a British poet and writer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the name Cordellia may not be as common today as it once was, its historical significance and literary associations have left an enduring legacy, capturing the essence of a loving and devoted heart.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cordellia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cordellia, please contact us.

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