Home › Baby Names Directory › Cornel
Cornel
Pronounced kor-NEL /kɔrˈnɛl/Medium
Meaning: The Romanian short form of Cornelius, from the Roman family name Cornelius, linked to Latin cornu, 'horn.' Also tied to the cornel tree. Classic and understated.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Cornel comes from the Roman Cornelius (Latin cornu, 'horn'), used across Romania and beyond. It reads classic and grounded — rare in the U.S., familiar in Eastern Europe (said 'kor-NEL').
In the U.S. it appears only rarely. Rare, classic, and grounded.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- Famous bearers coming soon.
If you like Cornel…
Explore names like Cornel
Frequently Asked
What does the name Cornel mean?
Cornel is a Romanian form of Cornelius, from Latin cornu, 'horn.'
How do you pronounce Cornel?
It's said kor-NEL /kɔrˈnɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Cornel a boy or girl name?
Cornel is a boy's name.
How popular is Cornel?
Cornel is a rare name in the U.S.