This post contains affiliate links.
At a Glance: Name: Cordell – Origin: English (surname, exact derivation disputed, possibly Old French 'cordel' — a small cord/rope — or a place name) – Gender: Boy – Pronunciation: kor-DEL
Cordell (pronounced kor-DEL) began as an English surname, and its exact roots aren't settled — it may come from the Old French word 'cordel,' meaning a small cord or rope, or from a place name instead. You may see it listed online as meaning 'heart,' but that doesn't hold up; it's likely just a mix-up with the 'Cor-' prefix showing up in other words tied to that meaning.
Meaning & Origin of Cordell
Origin: English (surname, exact derivation disputed, possibly Old French 'cordel' — a small cord/rope — or a place name).
A common claim: Frequently listed as meaning 'heart' Actually: Not supported by any source we found — Cordell is an English surname of uncertain origin, not a word for heart; likely another case of the 'Cor-' prefix being mistaken for the Latin root for heart.
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Cordell
Phonetic: kor-DEL IPA: /kɔːrˈdɛl/
Popularity of Cordell
Cordell had its strongest year in 1998, when 387 boys were given the name and it ranked #531 nationally. By 2024 it had fallen to #2132, with just 69 boys named Cordell that year.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1903–2024.
Make Cordell Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Cordell, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
FAQ
What does the name Cordell mean?
Frequently listed as meaning ‘heart’ Not supported by any source we found — Cordell is an English surname of uncertain origin, not a word for heart; likely another case of the ‘Cor-‘ prefix being mistaken for the Latin root for heart.
How do you pronounce Cordell?
Cordell is pronounced kor-DEL (IPA: /kɔːrˈdɛl/).
Is Cordell a popular name right now?
Cordell peaked at #531 in 1998 and is ranked #2132 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1903–2024.)
📊 How popular is Cordell? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
🎲 Think you know your baby names? Take the quiz!
🎨 Get Printable Name Art for Cordell
Beautiful nursery-ready 8×10" print with name & meaning
Preview & Download →More Baby Name Inspiration
📱 The Baby Names app is here
Swipe names, match with your partner the moment you both say yes, and claim a free Name Art print of your winner. Free to download. See all our apps →




