Meaning & History
Corrie is a feminine given name primarily used in Dutch and English contexts. It functions as a diminutive or short form of several longer names beginning with Cor, including Corinna, Cora, and Cornelia. Since the 1970s, it has also been used as a feminine counterpart to Corey.
Etymology and Origins
The name Corrie draws its roots from the Greek name Korinna, derived from the Greek word kore meaning “maiden.” The Roman poet Ovid popularized a Latinized form, Corinna, through his work Amores, and the name later appeared in English poetry, such as Robert Herrick’s Corinna's going a-Maying. Alternatively, Corrie can be connected to the Latin-name Cornelia, which belongs to the prominent Roman family name Cornelius.
Notable Bearers
- Corrie Bakker (born 1945), Dutch sprinter whose full given name is Cornelia.
- Corry Brokken (1932–2016), Eurovision-winning Dutch singer, also born Cornelia.
- Corrie de Bruin (born 1976), Dutch discus thrower and shot putter.
- Corrie Corfield (born 1961), English newsreader known for her long tenure on BBC Radio 4.
- Corrie Chen, Taiwanese-Australian filmmaker and director.
Cultural Significance
In Dutch-speaking regions, Corrie and its variant Corry became especially popular during the first half of the 20th century. Many notable Dutch artists, politicians, and athletes have carried the name, often as a familiar version of Cornelia. In English-speaking countries, Corrie has been in use since at least the 17th century and has seen renewed attention as a feminine form of Corey.
Related Names
Variants of Corrie include Coretta, Cori, Corie, Kori (English), and Corry (Dutch). Masculine counterparts include Corey, Cory, and Dutch Cornelis. Across other languages, equivalent forms such as Corinna (Italian) and Kornelija (Slovene) further show the name’s widespread usage.
- Meaning: Diminutive of Corinna, Cora, or Cornelia; also a feminine form of Corey
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Type: Diminutive, short form
- Usage Regions: Netherlands, English-speaking countries
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Corrie (given name)