Corday is a rare and distinctive given name of French origin. Its meaning can be interpreted in several ways depending on the source consulted. Some say it means "heart-shaped" or "of the heart," while others suggest it translates to "strong" or "powerful." Regardless of its precise definition, Corday has a bold and commanding presence that makes it stand out among other names.
The name Corday is believed to have originated from the French surname "Cordé," which was likely derived from a nickname given to someone who was strong-hearted or courageous. Over time, this surname evolved into various forms, including Corday, Cordell, and Cordeaux. Today, Corday is still relatively uncommon as a given name, but it has been used by some families for generations.
One notable figure associated with the name Corday is Charlotte Corday (1768-1793), a French revolutionary who played a significant role in the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. She is most famous for assassinating Jean-Paul Marat, a radical journalist and politician, on July 13, 1793. Although her actions ultimately contributed to the downfall of Maximilien Robespierre and his faction, Corday was executed by guillotine just two days later, at the age of only 25.
Despite its connection to such dramatic historical events, the name Corday remains an intriguing and unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Its French origin gives it a certain sophistication and elegance, while its uncommon usage ensures that those bearing this name will always stand out from the crowd. Whether interpreted as "heart-shaped," "strong," or simply as a nod to history, Corday is a captivating and memorable name with much to offer its bearers.
The name Corday has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 193 babies given this name since 1985.
In the early years, Corday was quite rare, with only 5 births recorded in 1985 and another 5 in 1987. However, it started to gain some traction in 1986 with 8 births, and again in 1988 and 1989 with 7 and 6 births respectively.
There was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Corday between 2006 and 2008. In 2006, there were 26 births, which is the highest number recorded since 1985. This trend continued into 2007 with 23 births and reached its peak in 2008 with 32 births.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name Corday began to decline. There were 15 births in 2009, 14 in 2010, and 13 in 2011. Since then, the number of babies named Corday has remained relatively low, with 7 births in 2013, 6 in 2014, and 5 in 2018.
Overall, while Corday may not be one of the most popular names in the United States, it has had periods of notable popularity, particularly between 2006 and 2008.