Find out how popular the first name Cornella has been for the last 1 years (from 1980 to 1980) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cornella by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Cornella is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1980, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cornella.

The history of the first name Cornella

The name Cornella is believed to have originated in the Romance languages, particularly Italian and French, during the medieval period. It is derived from the Latin word "cornella," which means "little horn" or "small horn." This etymology suggests that the name may have been initially used as a nickname or a surname for someone who lived near a horn-shaped hill or had a horn-like physical feature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cornella can be found in the 13th-century Italian text "Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio. In this work, a character named Cornella is mentioned, although her role is relatively minor. The name also appears in various historical records from the region of Tuscany, Italy, during the 14th and 15th centuries, indicating its use among the Italian population at that time.

In France, the name Cornella gained popularity during the Renaissance period, particularly in the southern regions. It is believed to have been used as a feminine form of the male name Cornel or Cornelius, which also derives from the Latin word "cornu" meaning "horn." One notable historical figure bearing this name was Cornella Barclay (1592-1673), a French noblewoman and philanthropist who founded several charitable institutions in Paris.

During the 17th century, the name Cornella made its way to the English-speaking world, likely through French and Italian immigrants. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name in England was Cornella Woodhouse (1624-1685), a wealthy landowner and patron of the arts who funded the construction of several churches and supported the work of prominent architects and artists of her time.

Another notable figure with the name Cornella was Cornella Otis Skinner (1901-1979), an American actress, author, and playwright known for her one-woman shows and her memoir "Elegant Wits and Grand Horizontals." She was a prominent figure in the American theater scene during the mid-20th century.

In more recent history, Cornella Muschaweck (1920-2004) was a German ballet dancer and choreographer who gained international recognition for her work with the Berlin State Opera Ballet and the Munich State Opera Ballet. She was also a influential teacher and mentor to many aspiring dancers.

Despite its historical significance and presence in various cultures, the name Cornella has become relatively uncommon in modern times, although it is still used occasionally, particularly in Italian and French-speaking communities.

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

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

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