Cornel: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: kawr-NEL
Origin: Romania
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Romania, Hungary, Germany
Meaning: The meaning of the name Cornel is "horn" or "horned".

Cornel is a masculine name with roots in Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Cornelius. The name is often associated with strength and leadership, reflecting its historical use among Roman nobility. In modern times, Cornel has been embraced by various cultures and has been borne by notable figures across different fields. One prominent individual with this name is Cornel West, an influential American philosopher, political activist, and author known for his work on race, class, and social justice. His contributions to academia and public discourse have made the name Cornel synonymous with intellectual rigor and critical thought. The name Cornel, while not extremely common, carries a distinctive and timeless quality, often chosen by parents seeking a name with historical significance and a touch of sophistication.

Cornel Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Cornel is currently #33196 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Cornel is currently #14236 on Kiindred Boy Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

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