cordula

Cordula is a feminine given name used primarily in German-speaking countries. It is derived from the Latin cordula, meaning “little heart,” itself a diminutive form related to cor, cordis meaning “heart.” The name thus carries a gentle, affectionate connotation.

The form Cordula appears in Latin and medieval manuscripts and was later adopted into German naming practice. It enjoyed modest popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries and, while it is less common today, remains in occasional use as a traditional or classic given name. Variants and related forms are limited, with Cordula typically standing alone in modern usage.

In pronunciation, Cordula is generally said with the stress on the second syllable: kor-DOO-la. It is treated as a standard, non-derivative German name and can be found in secular contexts as well as in historical or ecclesiastical references, though it is not tied to a specific saint or widely recognized cultural symbol.

Notable bearers include Cordula Stratmann, a German comedian and actress, and Cordula Reyer, an Austrian photographer. Besides these individuals, Cordula appears chiefly in biographical records and literary or fictional contexts as a traditional given name rather than a widely used contemporary choice.