Coraline
Coraline Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈkɔɹ.ə.laɪn/
Meaning of Coraline: 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 Does Coraline Mean? Origin & Etymology
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.
How Popular Is Coraline?
Numerology & Symbolism of Coraline
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Coraline – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Coraline
What does the name Coraline mean?
The name Coraline carries roots in Germanic and reflects the naming values of that cultural tradition. The precise meaning connects to concepts meaningful in its source language and culture.
How popular is the name Coraline in the United States?
According to SSA records, Coraline ranked #720 for girl names in the United States, with 390 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Coraline come from?
The name Coraline comes from Germanic. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Germanic-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.