Discover and Shortlist Your Perfect Baby Names!
Overview of Cornish Names
Cornish names are the names used by the Cornish people, who are native to Cornwall in the south-west of England. Cornish names are typically derived from the Cornish language, which is a Celtic language that is closely related to Welsh and Breton. These names often have a unique sound and spelling, making them distinct from other British names.
History of Cornish Names
The Cornish language was spoken in Cornwall until the 18th century, when it began to decline in popularity. This decline was due to a number of factors, including the influence of English culture in Cornwall and the rise of the Methodist movement. As a result, many Cornish names were replaced with English or Anglicized versions.
Common Cornish Names
The most common Cornish names are those that derive from the Cornish language, such as Trevelyan, Trelawney, and Tregear. Other popular Cornish names include Carne, Trevorrow, and Trevaskis. Additionally, many Cornish names have been Anglicized over time, such as John becoming Jack or Jenkin becoming Jenkins.
Variations of Cornish Names
In some cases, Cornish names may have multiple spellings or variations. For example, the name Trevelyan can be spelled Trevelyen, Trevelean, or Trevelein. Similarly, the name Trelawney can be spelled Trelawny or Trelawne.
Modern Uses of Cornish Names
Today, Cornish names are still common in Cornwall, although they are often Anglicized versions of the original name. Additionally, many Cornish names have been adopted by people from other parts of the world, particularly in the United States. For example, the name Trevelyan is now commonly used in the United States, although it is still rare in the United Kingdom.
| Name | Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kegyn | Kegyn: unique, modern, unisex name of Cornish origin meaning "kitchen." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Kellow | Kellow: Unique Cornish name meaning "grove of hazel trees." Unisex. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Kerell | Kerell: Cornish name meaning "fortress," typically male, unique and historical. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Kerensa | Kerensa: a unique Cornish name meaning "love" or "affection." | Cornish | Girl | |
| Kerensa | Kerensa: a unique Cornish name meaning "love" or "affection." | Cornish | Girl | |
| Kerwyn | Kerwyn: Cornish name meaning "blessed love," unique and historically significant. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Keryll | Keryll: Unique, gender-neutral name meaning "warrior" or "lord." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Kevern | Kevern: Unique Cornish name meaning "meeting of two streams," unisex. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Keverne | Keverne: Unisex Cornish name meaning "little church" or "meeting place." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Lamorna | Lamorna: Unique Cornish name meaning "sea maiden," charming and melodic. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Lamornah | Lamornah: Unique Cornish name meaning "church enclosure of St. Moron." | Cornish | Girl | |
| Lerryn | Lerryn: Unique Cornish name meaning "place of laurel trees." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Mallogan | Mallogan: Unique Cornish name meaning "bald" or "bare," unisex. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Mallogan | Mallogan: Unique Cornish name meaning "bald" or "bare," unisex. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Mawgan | Mawgan: rare Cornish unisex name meaning "monk" or "little monk." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Medlyn | Medlyn: Unique, Cornish unisex name meaning "middle," charming and uncommon. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Merryn | Merryn is a joyful, unisex Cornish name with maritime significance. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Merrynne | Merrynne: a unique, joyful Cornish name for girls, elegantly uncommon. | Cornish | Girl | |
| Morwena | Morwena: rare Cornish name meaning "maiden" or "sea white." | Cornish | Girl | |
| Morwenna | Morwenna: Cornish name meaning "maiden of the sea," gaining popularity. | Cornish, Unique | Girl | |
| Mullion | Mullion: Unique unisex name meaning "little yellow one" in Cornish. | Celtic, Cornish, Persian | Unisex | |
| Mullyon | Mullyon: rare Cornish name meaning yellow, symbolizes creativity and leadership. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Newlyn | Newlyn: Unisex Cornish name meaning "valley pool," unique and uncommon. | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Pascoe | Pascoe: Cornish name meaning "Easter child," historically significant and unique. | Christian, Cornish, Middle Ages | Boy | |
| Penlee | Penlee: Unique Cornish name meaning "top of the meadow." Uncommon. | Cornish, Unique | Unisex | |
| Peran | Peran: Unisex Cornish name meaning "little pear" or "little rock." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Peran | Peran: Unisex Cornish name meaning "little pear" or "little rock." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Perran | Perran: Rare Cornish name meaning "little rock," associated with males. | Cornish | Boy | |
| Peryn | Peryn: rare, unisex name of Cornish origin meaning "pear tree." | Cornish | Unisex | |
| Piran | Piran, a Cornish name, means "saint" and honors heritage. | Cornish | Unisex |
The name 'Cornish' originates from Cornwall, a region in the southwest of England. It is used to describe the people, language, and culture associated with Cornwall. The term is derived from the Old English "Cornwealas," which means "people of Cornwall."
Yes, the name 'Cornish' has a Celtic origin. Cornwall, from where the name is derived, has a history deeply rooted in Celtic traditions and language. The Cornish people are considered one of the Celtic nations.
Yes, 'Cornish' is related to the Cornish language. The term 'Cornish' refers to anything pertaining to Cornwall, including its unique Brythonic Celtic language. The language itself is known as Kernewek in Cornish.
Yes, 'Cornish' can refer to a type of cuisine. Traditional Cornish cuisine includes dishes like Cornish pasties and Cornish clotted cream. These culinary specialties are indicative of Cornwall's regional identity.
Yes, 'Cornish' is used to describe a breed of chicken known as the Cornish chicken. This breed is known for its broad body and substantial meat yield. It is one of the breeds used in the poultry industry for meat production.
In geology, 'Cornish' refers to types of rocks and minerals that are typical of Cornwall. Cornwall is renowned for its historic tin and copper mining. The term can also relate to geological features unique to the region.
Historical figures with the surname 'Cornish' have existed, though the name does not refer to a specific historical figure. Individuals with the surname 'Cornish' may have ancestral ties to Cornwall. The surname is a regional name, indicating a family's geographic origin.
In literature, 'Cornish' can refer to works or authors originating from Cornwall. It may also describe the setting or cultural elements within a literary piece. Cornwall's rich folklore and landscapes have inspired many writers.
Yes, there is a Cornish flag, known as Saint Piran's Flag. It is a white cross on a black background and is a symbol of Cornwall. The flag is widely used to represent Cornish identity and heritage.
The Cornish coat of arms is the heraldic symbol representing Cornwall. It features a shield with 15 gold bezants on a black field, which is said to represent the Truro mint's coins. The coat of arms symbolizes Cornwall's historic independence and economic history.
