Corliss
Primarily a girl's name of Old English origin with 2,849 recorded births. Also given to 343 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Corliss has 2,849 recorded U.S. births across 84+ years, peaking at 182 in 1946. It occupies the space between “never heard of it” and “everyone has one in their class” — a name that feels personal without being obscure.
Corliss is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Corliss is a girl's and boy's baby name of Old English origin, from a surname meaning 'carefree' or 'cheerful.' The 1953 television series Meet Corliss Archer helped popularize it as a given name in mid-century America.
EtymologyShow more
Corliss first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1919. Its appearance in the 1910s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Old English classification suggests a path from old english linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Corliss has 76+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1919.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 5 | #16314 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 40 | #11627 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 79 | #8116 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 185 | #3998 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 442 | #1897 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 1,116 | #958 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 735 | #1487 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 82 | #3328 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 159 | #2779 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 6 | #4362 | — |
The Story of Corliss
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1946, Corliss is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Girls named Corliss are most likely born between 1936 and 1956.
How rare is Corliss?
With 2,849 total births on record, Corliss remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1919, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1950s with 1,116 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Corliss by the numbers
- Would fill 59 school buses
- Meeting one Corliss per day would take 7.8 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(76 years, 1919–2003)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 5 | #16314 |
| 1998 | 5 | #14648 |
| 1996 | 6 | #12168 |
| 1994 | 5 | #13895 |
| 1993 | 9 | #8878 |
| 1992 | 7 | #10727 |
| 1990 | 8 | #9445 |
| 1989 | 8 | #8924 |
| 1988 | 6 | #10649 |
| 1987 | 5 | #11669 |
| 1986 | 8 | #7904 |
| 1984 | 5 | #10735 |
| 1983 | 12 | #5524 |
| 1982 | 10 | #6446 |
| 1981 | 10 | #6421 |
| 1980 | 15 | #4771 |
| 1979 | 13 | #5151 |
| 1978 | 14 | #4723 |
| 1977 | 20 | #3634 |
| 1976 | 15 | #4192 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Corliss as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Corliss has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 343 births since 1913.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corliss a boy's or girl's name?
When was Corliss most popular?
How popular is the name Corliss?
Can Corliss be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1919–2003