Cornelis is a masculine given name of Dutch origin. It is derived from the Latin name Cornelius, which means "horn" or "hull," and was originally a Roman clan name that became a popular personal name in the early Christian era.
The name Cornelis has been used in the Netherlands for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Cornelius Haga, who served as the Dutch ambassador to Japan during the late 19th century and played a significant role in establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In English-speaking countries, Cornelis is sometimes anglicized to Cornelius or even Carl, although its original Dutch pronunciation is /kɔrnɛlɪs/. Despite its rarity outside of the Netherlands, Cornelis remains a distinctive and culturally rich name with a long history and significant historical figures associated with it.
The name Cornelis has been consistently popular in the United States over several decades, with a total of 25 babies given this unique name between 1946 and 2002. There were five births each year for Cornelis in 1946, 1957, 1962, 1983, and 2002. While these numbers may seem small compared to more common names, they indicate a steady presence of the name Cornelis among American newborns during this period. This trend suggests that Cornelis has been chosen as a distinctive and enduring name for baby boys by parents who wish to honor this moniker's rich history while also bestowing upon their children an uncommon yet memorable name.