Boy New Testament Known
Cornelius
of a horn
Κορνήλιος Kornēlios
Cornelius (Greek: Κορνήλιος, Kornēlios) means “of a horn”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 10 verses across 1 book of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 82 children in the United States. Use is falling away. Around 37,049 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears in the same passages as John.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Cornelius
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 10 across 1 book
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- New
- Era
- Apostolic
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 82 | Falling |
| All-time total | 37,049 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 498 in 1974 | Its highest year on record |
| Strongest state | TX | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Acts 10:1 |
| Last appears | Acts 10:31 |
| Cross-references | 299 linked passages |
Origin & meaning
Κορνήλιος, -ου, ὁ (Lat.)
Cornelius: Act.10:1 ff.†
(AS)
Cornelius, a centurion, was the first Gentile convert to Christianity through Peter's ministry.
The biblical story
Cornelius was a Roman centurion stationed in Caesarea. He is described as a devout man who feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed regularly (Act.10.1-2). Despite his piety, Cornelius was not a convert to Judaism.
In a vision, an angel instructed Cornelius to send for Peter, who was staying in Joppa (Act.10.3-8). Meanwhile, Peter had a vision in which God revealed that he should not consider anything unclean that God had made clean, preparing him to accept Gentile believers (Act.10.9-16).
When Peter arrived at Cornelius' house, Cornelius gathered his relatives and close friends to hear Peter's message (Act.10.24-27). As Peter shared the gospel, the Holy Spirit fell upon the Gentile listeners, confirming that God had accepted them (Act.10.44-46). This event marked a significant turning point in the early church, as it demonstrated that the gospel was for both Jews and Gentiles.
Peter then ordered that Cornelius and the other believing Gentiles be baptized (Act.10.47-48). The conversion of Cornelius and his household was a pivotal moment in the spread of Christianity, paving the way for the inclusion of Gentiles in the church.
Key verses
Cornelius appears in 10 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
Acts 10:1 -
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
Acts 10:3 -
And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
Acts 10:7 -
Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
Acts 10:17 -
Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
Acts 10:21
Show all 10 references
Acts (10)
- Acts 10:1
- Acts 10:3
- Acts 10:7
- Acts 10:17
- Acts 10:21
- Acts 10:22
- Acts 10:24
- Acts 10:25
- Acts 10:30
- Acts 10:31