Corlyn
A feminine name derived from the French word "corlieu" meaning "sparrow".
Name Census estimates that about 21 living Americans carry the first name Corlyn. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Corlyn today is around 56 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Corlyn births was 1960 (11 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Corlyn. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Fewer than 100 living Americans are believed to carry the name Corlyn. It is among the rarest names in the SSA records.
People living today
21
~ 1 in 16,321,635 Americans
Peak year
1960
11 babies that year
Average age
56
years old
2007 SSA rank
#18,251
Tracked since 1948
Popularity
Corlyn: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Corlyn from the 1940s through to the 2000s, spanning 4 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1960s, with 11 total registrations. Although the numbers have come down from the 1960s peak, Corlyn remains solidly in use and shows no sign of disappearing from maternity wards.
Babies born per year
Decades
Corlyn by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Corlyn during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Origin
Meaning and history of Corlyn
The name Corlyn is a fascinating one, steeped in history and rich cultural significance. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic languages, particularly the Old Irish "Corlain," which translates to "spear-bright" or "radiant warrior." This name was popular among the Gaelic tribes of Ireland and Scotland during the Middle Ages.
In its earliest iterations, the name was often spelled as "Corlain" or "Corlynn," with slight variations depending on the region. It was predominantly used as a masculine name, bestowed upon young boys who were expected to grow into brave and valiant warriors, upholding the honor and traditions of their clans.
One of the earliest recorded references to the name can be found in the ancient Irish epic, "The Cattle Raid of Cooley," where a warrior named Corlain is mentioned. This epic, dating back to the 8th century, is a testament to the rich literary heritage of the Gaelic world and the significance of names with strong martial connotations.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Corlyn or its variations. In the 11th century, Corlain mac Ruaidhri was a prominent Irish chieftain who played a pivotal role in the battles against the Norse invaders. His bravery and leadership were celebrated in the annals of Irish history.
During the 14th century, a Scottish nobleman named Corlynn of Argyll was known for his unwavering loyalty to Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots. His valor and sacrifices during the Scottish Wars of Independence earned him a place in the chronicles of that era.
In the 16th century, an Irish poet and scholar, Corlain Ó Dálaigh, gained recognition for his exceptional works in the Gaelic tradition. His poetry celebrated the beauty of the Irish language and the rich cultural heritage of his people.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and we find Corlyn Ó Cuilleanáin, an esteemed Irish academic and linguist who dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of the Irish language. His contributions to the field of Celtic studies were widely recognized and celebrated.
While the name Corlyn has undergone various spelling changes and adaptations over time, its essence remains rooted in the vibrant Celtic cultures that birthed it. From ancient warriors to modern scholars, this name has carried the spirit of strength, resilience, and a deep connection to one's heritage throughout the ages.
People
Corlyn + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Corlyn as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with C
Other first names starting with C with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Corlyn: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Corlyn?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 21 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Corlyn going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 16,321,635 US residents.
Is Corlyn a common name?
We classify Corlyn as "Very Rare". It ranks above 40.8% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 27 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Corlyn most popular?
The single biggest year for Corlyn was 1960, when 11 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Corlyn is about 56 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Corlyn a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Corlyn in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.