Meaning & History
Corrine is a feminine given name mostly used in English-speaking countries. It is a variant spelling of Corinne, which itself derives from the French form of Corinna.
Etymology
The ultimate origin of Corrine lies in the ancient Greek name Korinna, which comes from the Greek word κόρη (kore), meaning "maiden." This connection to maidenhood gives the name a poetic and classical feel. The original form, Corinna, was borne by a notable Greek lyric poet from the 5th century BC, lending it a rich literary history.
Literary and Historical Context
The name gained further fame in the Roman period through the poet Ovid, who used Corinna as the name of the main female character in his book Amores. Later, in the 17th century, the English poet Robert Herrick revived the name in his poem Corinna's going a-Maying, helping to reintroduce it to modern audiences. The variant Corinne received a significant boost in popularity from the French-Swiss author Madame de Staël, who titled her 1807 novel Corinne. The spelling Corrine likely arose as an anglicized simplification of Corinne, conforming to English spelling patterns.
Related Forms
Other variant spellings of Corrine include Coreen, Corynn, and Korrine. Across different languages, related names appear as Corinna (Italian), Korinna (Ancient Greek), Corine (French), Corinne (French), and Corina (Spanish). The mythological name Cora also shares the same Greek root meaning "maiden."
Usage and Popularity
Corrine has been used in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century. While never as common as Corinne, it remains a recognized and occasionally chosen alternative. It is associated with femininity, literary heritage, and classical elegance.
- Meaning: "Maiden" (via the Greek kore)
- Origin: Greek, via Latin and French
- Type: Given name (female)
- Usage Regions: English-speaking countries
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Corrine