Name profile

BoyPronounced Latin /kor.ˈneː.li.us/; American English /kɔɹ.ˈnil.i.əs/; British English /kɔː.ˈniː.ljəs/; Dutch /kɔr.ˈneː.li.jʏs/; German /kɔʁ.ˈneː.li.ʊs/Dutch language family

Cornelius

A name meaning "horn".

Quick answer

Cornelius is a boy name meaning "horn".

Pronunciation: Latin /kor.ˈneː.li.us/; American English /kɔɹ.ˈnil.i.əs/; British English /kɔː.ˈniː.ljəs/; Dutch /kɔr.ˈneː.li.jʏs/; German /kɔʁ.ˈneː.li.ʊs/.

GenderBoy
Meaninghorn
PronunciationLatin /kor.ˈneː.li.us/; American English /kɔɹ.ˈnil.i.əs/; British English /kɔː.ˈniː.ljəs/; Dutch /kɔr.ˈneː.li.jʏs/; German /kɔʁ.ˈneː.li.ʊs/
Language familyDutch

Meaning and history

Roman family name that possibly derives from Latin cornu meaning "horn". In Acts in the New Testament Cornelius is a centurion who is directed by an angel to seek Peter. After speaking with Peter he converts to Christianity, and he is traditionally deemed the first gentile convert. The name was also borne by a few early saints, including a 3rd-century pope. In England it came into use in the 16th century, partly due to Dutch influence.

Notes and context

Usage: ancient roman, english, dutch, german, biblical