Cordellia Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kor-DEL-ee-uh //kɔːrˈdɛl.i.ə//
Origin: Latin; English
Meaning: Latin: heart; English: daughter of the sea
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cordelia is believed to have originated from the Latin word "cor" meaning "heart." This etymology is often linked to the Old French name "Cordelle," which may have derived from the Latin form, evolving through the Norman influence in England. The name was popularized in the English language through literary works, particularly in the early modern period, where it was introduced into English literature by William Shakespeare in his tragedy "King Lear," written in the early 17th century.
In this play, Cordelia is portrayed as a virtuous and loving daughter, which contributed to the name's association with loyalty and integrity. Historically, Cordelia has been linked to various figures in literature and folklore, but its most significant milestone remains its appearance in Shakespeare's works.
The character of Cordelia in "King Lear" has been interpreted as a symbol of truth and devotion, which has resonated with audiences for centuries. The name also appears in other literary contexts, including works by authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer and later Victorian writers, further embedding it in the cultural consciousness of English-speaking societies.
Culturally, Cordelia has been associated with themes of love, sacrifice, and moral fortitude, reflecting the character's steadfastness in the face of adversity. This symbolic resonance has allowed the name to endure through the ages, often evoking a sense of nobility and grace.
Related forms, such as the diminutive "Cora," have also emerged, although they carry distinct connotations. Overall, Cordelia's rich etymological roots and historical significance contribute to its lasting legacy in literature and culture.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cordellia, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Cordellia. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cordellia was first seen in the United States in 1921.
Cordellia has ranked as high as #878 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Cordellia has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cordellia is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cordellia was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Cordellia
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cordellia.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1964 | 5 |
| 1957 | 5 |
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1953 | 5 |
| 1952 | 5 |
| 1943 | 5 |
| 1925 | 5 |
| 1921 | 6 |