Name of the Day: Cornelius

December 4

Cornelius:

Multi-millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt passed away on December 4, 1877 at the age of 82. Cornelius made his fortune through the shipping and railroad industry, becoming one of the wealthiest Americans in history.

In 1873, Cornelius financed the foundation of Vanderbilt University in Tennessee — one of the most prestigious American universities to date.

Cornelius is a Latin name dating back to Ancient Rome that has yet to be re-discovered but would fit in with classmates Atticus, Cassius, and Augustus.

Cornelius is also the name of a third-century Pope and saint, as well as a Medieval alchemist (Cornelius Agrippa) mentioned in works including “Frankenstein” and “Harry Potter”.

Cornelius ranked in the US Top 1000 until 2008, but was given to less than 100 babies in 2022.

If Cornelius is a bit daunting, you may like the nickname Neely, worn by a young Cornelius in the novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn". And the feminine variation Cornelia leads to stylish nicknames Cora, Nell, and Nellie.