Find out how popular the first name Corliss has been for the last 30 years (from 1974 to 2003) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Corliss by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Corliss is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 83% of people named Corliss being female.

For the most recent data in 2003, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Corliss.

The history of the first name Corliss

The given name Corliss has its roots in the Old French language, originating from the term "corlieu," which referred to a small village or hamlet. This name gained prominence during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions of present-day France and England.

Corliss is believed to have derived from the Old French word "cor," meaning "heart," combined with the suffix "-liss," which denotes a connection or relation. Thus, the name could be interpreted as "heart's connection" or "heart's bond," suggesting a sense of unity or attachment.

In ancient times, the name Corliss was sometimes associated with the notion of a strong, unwavering spirit or a steadfast character. It was not uncommon for parents to bestow this name upon their children as a symbol of resilience and determination.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Corliss dates back to the 12th century, when it appeared in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholdings and properties compiled in England by order of William the Conqueror in 1086.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Corliss. One such figure was Corliss Lamont (1902-1995), an American philosopher and advocate for civil liberties, who played a significant role in the humanist movement of the 20th century.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Corliss Archer (1828-1901), an American engineer and inventor renowned for his contributions to the development of the Corliss steam engine, which revolutionized industrial power generation during the Industrial Revolution.

In the realm of literature, Corliss Allardyce (1923-2011) was an esteemed American scholar and author, best known for her groundbreaking work on the history of the novel and her seminal book, "The Modern British Novel."

The name Corliss also graced the stage, with Corliss Archer (1886-1952), an American actress and vaudeville performer who made her mark in early 20th-century theater and films.

Lastly, Corliss Williamson (born 1973) is a former professional basketball player from the United States, who enjoyed a successful career in the NBA, playing for teams like the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons.

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 Corliss was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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