Coraline
/ˈkɔɹ.ə.laɪn/
Coraline is a literary name coined by author Neil Gaiman for his 2002 novella Coraline, which was later adapted into a stop-motion animated film (2009). Gaiman based the name on a mistyping of “Caroline”—an accidental creation that became permanent.
The name combines the feel of Coral (from the sea creature, itself from Latin corallium via Greek) with the feminine suffix -ine, giving it a sea-natural-world aesthetic. The Caroline root traces to the Germanic Karl meaning “free man.”
Coraline peaked at No. 579 in 2015 with 527 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 720 with 390 births, maintaining use a decade after the film’s release.
What the name Coraline means
The 2009 film Coraline, directed by Henry Selick, introduced the name to a global audience. The story of a girl who discovers a parallel world behind a secret door gave the name an edge of curiosity and quiet courage.
Four syllables—KOR-uh-line—or three—KOR-uh-lin—depending on pronunciation. The name flows with a natural, botanical quality, sitting comfortably between Caroline and Coral.
Parents choosing Coraline are often fans of the book or film, selecting a name that carries associations with imagination, bravery, and the slightly uncanny—a uniquely literary origin for a given name.
Related names include Caroline (the original mistype source), Coral, Coralie (French), and Cora—all occupying adjacent sonic territory.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Coraline
Coraline - similar names
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