Find out how popular the first name Cortana has been for the last 17 years (from 2008 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cortana by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Cortana is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Cortana.

The history of the first name Cortana

The name Cortana has its roots in the Spanish language and is believed to have originated in the region of La Mancha, Spain, during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Spanish word "cortante," which means "cutting" or "sharp," likely referring to a keen intellect or sharp wit.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Cortana can be found in the famous Spanish novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, published in 1605. In the novel, Cortana is the name of the sword belonging to the legendary knight El Cid. This association with a renowned literary work and a heroic figure has contributed to the name's enduring popularity.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Cortana. One of the earliest recorded was Cortana de la Cámara (1349-1418), a Spanish noblewoman and courtier to King Henry III of Castile. Another prominent figure was Cortana de Villiers (1580-1670), a French aristocrat and patron of the arts during the reign of Louis XIII.

In the 19th century, Cortana Malvasia (1825-1892) was an Italian poet and author, known for her works that celebrated the beauty of her native Tuscany. Around the same time, Cortana Mendoza (1835-1898) was a prominent Venezuelan educator and advocate for women's rights, establishing several schools for girls in Caracas.

More recently, Cortana Quintero (1921-2005) was a Colombian anthropologist and researcher, renowned for her studies on indigenous communities in the Amazon region. Her work shed light on the rich cultural heritage and traditions of these communities.

While the name Cortana has Spanish origins, it has also been adopted in other cultures and languages over time, reflecting its enduring appeal and the diverse narratives associated with it.

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

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

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