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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Cornelius

32 replies

CinnamonStar · 29/11/2011 20:27

Doing some research for a friend. They are not British, but planning to move to the UK shortly after the baby is born.

She wants to know how British people view the name Cornelius, how popular it is. I told her it would probably be pretty unusual Grin. I personally think it is a great name, (though I wouldn't use it myself) but I don't live in the UK either so a bit out of touch with popular trends there. Will everyone stagger back aghast if they hear her little baby boy is called Cornelius?

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mopsyflopsy · 05/12/2011 15:09

I love Cornelius (and know a lovely German one) - elegant, classy and not overused. Great choice imo.

Thankfully we all have different tastes Smile.

ThePoorMansBeckySharp · 05/12/2011 02:36

It's HORRIBLE!

Sometimes this place is like the Twilight Zone.

AnotherMincepie · 01/12/2011 22:12

Fantastic name, I like it :)

It's a Biblical name from the book of Acts (Cornelius was a Roman centurion who was the first non-Jew to convert to Christianity).

mrcamel · 01/12/2011 16:03

*does not

MidLine · 01/12/2011 15:59

I have 2 in my family of Dutch origin and they get shortened to Cor or Corrie.

mrcamel · 01/12/2011 15:44

I know a few - old connie, and young con and dublin connie and monaghan connie (all related)
I always figured it was after Cornelius of Armagh (the saint)

it is alright - does offend my ears

IssyStark · 01/12/2011 15:09

My grandfather was Cornelius. Scots family so his grandfather was Cornelius as well, alternating with Thomas, my Dad's name. My aunt had the only boy of my generation and she chickened out so my cousin is called Neil whereas my grandfather was nicknamed Corey as a boy.

I'm seriously considering it if this one turns out to be a boy because I've always thought that Cornelius Stark is a damn fine name.

mathanxiety · 30/11/2011 14:39

It's quite an 'Irishy' name and usually shortened to Conn / Con in Ireland. I like it.

Original poster
CinnamonStar · 30/11/2011 11:49

Thanks, lots of replies.

Quite a positive response, so I think they'll be pleased. They want a name that means something to them but is "international" enough that their child won't get laughed at etc, and that people will have heard of.

OP posts:
evamummy · 30/11/2011 11:14

Elegant, classic, strong name.

Montsti · 30/11/2011 10:52

Reminds me of my 1st Latin textbook as one of the 1st characters was Cornelius...I, therefore see it as a strong Roman name...definitely unusual but brings back good memories for me as ended up doing a degree in Latin!

lottiegb · 30/11/2011 06:39

Immediate associations are a vague notion it's German, Babar's uncle and image of old scientist / collector type person. Quite interesting, can be shortened. Have heard of a Cornelia. If they like it, why not.

ShengdanRoad · 30/11/2011 05:44

I like it! It has something eccentric and historic about it. Lots of nickname possibilities too.

thejoanwilder · 30/11/2011 05:24

I love it. It was v high up our list for boys, but we're having a girl so it will have to wait! Apparently it is shortened to Kees in some places, which I thought was adorable, and would probably have been the nickname we would have gone with.

Atomant · 29/11/2011 23:39

I know 2 both in their late 30s & both go by the name Neil. Virtually family
( though unrelated to each other), that's the only reason I know they're actually called Cornelius, otherwise just plain old Neil to everyone else.

serin · 29/11/2011 23:35

Bloody awful

Mammig · 29/11/2011 21:50

Babar.

tammytoby · 29/11/2011 21:48

Cornelius is a lovely name - I haven't heard it for while but it is a great choice imo.

LaFilleSurLePont · 29/11/2011 21:32

It's utterly hideous.

othersideofchannel · 29/11/2011 21:25

Lovely name - I know a lovely German one.

LemonDifficult · 29/11/2011 21:21

Cornelius is great, OP, a bit of a mouthful but very nice.

Definitely a statement name, though. Is that what they want?

bigbluebump · 29/11/2011 21:20

But surely having 'well spoken, well educated' associations is a good thing Smile?

BluddyMoFo · 29/11/2011 21:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BluddyMoFo · 29/11/2011 21:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bigbluebump · 29/11/2011 21:16

I love it - classic, elegant and not overused. Works well in most European languages too. Great choice imo!