Cordelia: a female name of Greek origin meaning "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain".It derives from the Greek word "kardiá / kórē dêlos > Cordeilla".
Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Cordelia, drawn to its Greek heritage and beautiful significance: "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Cordelia
Quick facts about Cordelia
Origin
Greek, Breton, English
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
kardiá / kórē dêlos > Cordeilla
How to Pronounce Cordelia
Cordelia is pronounced /kɔːrˈdiː.li.ə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Cordel-ia
Say it like: "CORDEL-IA"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Cordelia enjoys international appeal, used in 6 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, italian, norwegian, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
englishitaliannorwegianswedishdanishgerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordelia
What does the name Cordelia mean?
Cordelia means "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence.". The name comes from kardiá / kórē dêlos > Cordeilla. In its original form, the name derives from kardiá (καρδιά) kórē (κόρη) dêlos (δῆλος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Cordelia for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Cordelia offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like LITERATURE / WELSH MYTHOLOGY, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Cordelia?
Cordelia has greek and breton and english origins. The name traces back to kardiá / kórē dêlos > Cordeilla. The original form kardiá (καρδιά) kórē (κόρη) dêlos (δῆλος) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its greek roots, Cordelia spread to become common in english, italian, norwegian, swedish and other cultures. The greek meaning "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Cordelia a boy or girl name?
Cordelia is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Cordelia has historically been given to girls. The meaning "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Cordelia?
Cordelia is pronounced "/kɔːrˈdiː.li.ə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Cordelia is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, italian, norwegian, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Cordelia can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root kardiá / kórē dêlos > Cordeilla influences how Cordelia sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Cordelia?
Cordelia is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Cordelia gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Cordelia's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Cordelia holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Cordelia commonly used?
Cordelia spans multiple cultures, including english, italian, norwegian, and 3 other traditions. Though greek in origin, Cordelia found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Cordelia, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Cordelia into their naming traditions. A child named Cordelia will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Cordelia is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Cordelia?
Cordelia carries associations with LITERATURE / WELSH MYTHOLOGY. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "The origin of this name is still today quite uncertain. The theories include: 1) From the Late Latin “cŏr / cordis,” meaning “heart, love, feeling,” which in turn derives from the Greek “kardiá (καρδιά),” same meaning. 2) From the Greek “kórē (κόρη),” meaning “girl, young woman, maiden, bride, young wife wife” plus “dêlos (δῆλος),” meaning “visible, conspicuous, manifest, to be clear or plain, limpid.” In turn, the name means “pure girl.” The name was borne by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s King Lear (1606), a character based on the legendary queen Cordeilla. Queen Cordelia was a legendary queen of the Britons, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. She was the youngest daughter of Leir and the second ruling queen of pre-Roman Britain. There is no independent historical evidence for her existence." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Cordelia originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Cordelia sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Cordelia often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.