Cordell

Meaning of Cordell

This name comes from a French word meaning 'rib' or 'ribbed'. It was likely used as a nickname for someone with a prominent ribcage or perhaps someone who was slender.

Cordell has French roots — browse every French baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Cordell

After ranking as high as #640 in 2000, Cordell has fallen out of the US top 1,000 as of 2025.

Notable people named Cordell

• Cordell Broadus
  Former football player, entrepreneur
• Cordell Hull
  U.S. Secretary of State, Nobel laureate
• Cordell Walker
  Fictional Texas Ranger
• Cordell K. Schoffstall
  American chess master
• Cordell Mosely
  American musician, producer

More French names

Questions about the name Cordell

What does the name Cordell mean?

Cordell means this name comes from a french word meaning 'rib' or 'ribbed'. it was likely used as a nickname for someone with a prominent ribcage or perhaps someone who was slender, and it comes from French origins.

Is Cordell a boy's or a girl's name?

Cordell is most commonly used as a boy's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Cordell?

Cordell did not appear in the top 1,000 baby names in 2025, which makes it a genuinely uncommon pick.

When was Cordell most popular?

Cordell peaked at #640 in 2000.