Cornel

Cornel is a masculine given name used in several European cultures, most notably in Romania and Moldova, where it is a common standalone form. It is often treated as a Romanian variant of the Latin name Cornelius and is used independently rather than solely as a diminutive. In Dutch- and Flemish-speaking contexts, Cornel can function as a form related to Cornelis, the Dutch version of Cornelius. The name is generally associated with the Latin root Cornelius, which historically means “horn.” Over time, Cornel has been adopted in various languages with minor spelling and pronunciation differences.

Variants and related names include Cornelius, Cornelis, Kornél (in Hungarian contexts), and Cornell (in English-speaking contexts, more commonly a surname or given name). The spelling Cornel itself is typically seen as a given name rather than a surname, though cross-cultural usage yields exceptions.

Notable bearers include Cornel West (born 1953), an American philosopher, political activist, and public intellectual. The name has appeared in literature and media as well, though it remains predominantly regional in usage.