The name Cornelious has its origins in the Latin language, specifically derived from the Roman family name Cornelius. The earliest known roots of this name can be traced back to the ancient Roman era, around the 8th century BC.

The name Cornelius is believed to be derived from the Latin word "cornu," meaning "horn." This association with horns could potentially stem from the legend of a Roman ancestor who possessed prominent horns on their head. Alternatively, it may have been a reference to the strength and resilience symbolized by horns in ancient Roman culture.

One of the earliest and most notable historical figures bearing the name Cornelius was Cornelius Sulla, a Roman dictator who lived from 138 BC to 78 BC. He played a significant role in the Roman civil wars and was known for his authoritarian rule and military reforms.

Another prominent figure was Cornelius Nepos, a Roman biographer who lived circa 99 BC to 24 BC. He is best known for his work "De Viris Illustribus" (On the Lives of Illustrious Men), which chronicled the lives of famous individuals from Greek and Roman history.

In the New Testament of the Bible, the name appears in the form of Cornelius the Centurion, a Roman officer who became one of the first Gentile converts to Christianity after receiving a vision from God. This account is recorded in the Book of Acts and marks an important milestone in the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.

During the Middle Ages, the name Cornelious was relatively uncommon but still found usage among European nobility and clergy. One notable bearer was Cornelius Jansen (1585-1638), a Dutch Catholic bishop and theologian who founded the religious movement known as Jansenism.

In more recent history, Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) was an American business magnate and philanthropist who amassed a vast fortune through his involvement in the shipping and railroad industries. He played a pivotal role in the development of transportation networks in the United States.

Overall, the name Cornelious has a rich historical legacy, spanning ancient Roman origins, religious significance in the Bible, and prominent figures across various eras and fields, including politics, literature, theology, and business.