Corliss is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by the author Frank Yerby for his novel "The Foxes of Harrow," published in 1946. In the story, Corliss is the protagonist's first name, which adds an element of intrigue and mystery to its origins.
The meaning of Corliss has not been definitively established as it is a relatively recent creation. Some sources suggest that Yerby may have derived it from the combination of two names he admired: Coral, meaning "of the sea" or "seagull," and Liss, which is said to represent "God is my oath." However, these interpretations are not universally accepted, and the true meaning behind Corliss remains open to speculation.
Despite its unclear origins and meaning, Corliss has gained some popularity as a given name over time. While it may not be particularly common, it has been used occasionally throughout the United States since the mid-20th century. Those who bear this unique moniker are likely to stand out due to its distinctive sound and unfamiliarity.
In summary, Corliss is an American coined name of uncertain meaning. It was first introduced in Frank Yerby's novel "The Foxes of Harrow" and has since been used sparingly as a given name. Its uniqueness makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a memorable and distinctive name for their child.
The name Corliss has been given to a total of 2,849 babies in the United States since 1919. The number of births per year varied significantly over this period.
In the early years, from 1919 to 1936, the number of births ranged between 5 and 24 per year, with most years seeing fewer than 10 Corliss births. However, starting in 1943, there was a notable increase in popularity for this name, with 44 births that year.
The peak years for the name Corliss were from 1943 to 1955, during which time the number of births ranged between 66 and 182 per year. The highest single year was 1946, with 182 births.
After 1955, the popularity of the name Corliss began to decline steadily. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 30 babies were named Corliss each year. This trend continued into the 1980s, with most years seeing between 5 and 20 Corliss births.
In recent years, from 1990 to 2003, there have been only a handful of Corliss births each year, with no more than 9 in any single year. This suggests that the name Corliss has become quite rare in recent decades.