Last Name Corneille

Learn more about the origin of the last name Corneille

The meaning and origin of the last name Corneille

The surname Corneille is of French origin, derived from the Old Gallo-Roman word "cornix" or "cornicula," which means "raven" or "small horn." This name was often given to individuals who were born under the astrological sign of the raven, or to those who resembled a raven in some way. The Corneille family, originating from Normandy and Picardy regions of France, is known to have existed since the Middle Ages, with many notable members throughout history. One of the most prominent figures bearing this surname was Pierre Corneille, a renowned French playwright who contributed significantly to the development of classical tragedy in the 17th century. The name Corneille has been spread across various parts of Europe and North America through migration and colonization over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Corneille

The last name Corneille is predominantly found in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and its former colonies, such as Quebec, Canada, and various African countries like Senegal and Haiti. It also has a significant presence in Belgium and Switzerland due to historical ties with France. Smaller populations of Corneilles can be traced in other parts of the world where French immigration occurred, including Louisiana, United States and Mauritius. In these dispersed locations, its frequency may vary greatly and is often linked to specific immigrant communities or families who have carried the name over generations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Corneille

The surname Corneille has several variations and spellings, including:

1. Cornelle: This is an alternative spelling that originates from French-speaking regions.
2. Korneliusz (Polish), Kornejewski (Polish), or Kornilow (Russian): These are the Polish and Russian translations of Corneille, which may also appear as Corneliussen (Norwegian) or Cornell (English).
3. Cornejo: This is a Spanish variation that has a different etymology but shares similarities in sound and appearance with the original French name. It may indicate a different origin for some families bearing this name.
4. Corneal, Corneale, Corneali, or Cornealea (Italian): These are Italian variations of the surname that have been adapted to conform with Italian naming conventions.
5. Cornelis, Kornelis, or Konrad (Dutch and German): The Dutch and German forms of the name often reflect the original Latin root, "Cornelius," which is a cognate of Corneille.
6. Cornellia, Cornelia, or Corneliusz (female Polish form): These are feminine variations of the surname that occur in some Slavic countries.
7. In addition to these variations, it's important to note that there may be regional and cultural differences that influence the spelling of this name, resulting in further alterations over time.

Famous people with the last name Corneille

Thomas Le Clerc de Corneille (1622-1709), a French playwright and poet, is notably known for his significant contributions to French literature. He is best recognized for his tragedies, including "Le Cid," which was one of the most performed plays in Europe during the 17th century. Another famous Corneille is Pierre-Simon, Baron de La Enfant (1738-1824), an American architect and engineer who designed many notable structures in the United States, including the U.S. Capitol building and the Washington Monument. Lastly, Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1997), a French explorer, oceanographer, and filmmaker, is renowned for his groundbreaking underwater research and documentaries that brought attention to marine life and environmental issues. These three individuals represent the diverse fields of literature, architecture, and marine exploration among those prominently known as Corneille.

Genealogical research on the last name Corneille

The Corneille surname is of French origin, derived from the Old Greek 'kornē', meaning 'horn'. It was first adopted by individuals who worked in professions involving horns or who lived near a place with a distinctive horn-like shape. Over time, it spread across France and to other regions as French settlers and soldiers migrated, particularly during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453). Notable figures with the Corneille surname include playwright Pierre Corneille (1606-1684), known for his classical tragedies, and Nicolas-Joseph Corneille (1739-1813), a French military officer during the French Revolution. The name also has variations such as Cornelius, Kornell, Koren, and others, reflecting regional dialects and spelling changes over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Corneille"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025