Corinna
koh-RIN-nah
Corinna is derived from the Greek 'Korinna,' a diminutive of 'kore,' meaning maiden or young girl. The name was made famous in ancient Greece by the poetess Corinna, and in Renaissance Italy it became associated with beauty, poetry, and ideal womanhood.
At a glance
A lyrical Italian name of Greek origin meaning 'maiden,' carried by an ancient Greek poetess and beloved in Italian Renaissance literary culture.
Etymology & History
From Greek 'Korinna,' a diminutive of 'kore' (maiden, young girl). The Greek root is related to 'Kore,' one of the names of Persephone, goddess of spring. The diminutive form creates an affectionate meaning of 'little maiden.' The name entered Italian via classical tradition and Renaissance literary usage.
Cultural Significance
Corinna was used as a literary pseudonym and idealized name in Italian Renaissance poetry, representing the perfect beloved. In French and English poetry of the 17th and 18th centuries, it similarly served as an idealized pastoral name. The ancient Greek poet Corinna of Tanagra gave the name historical depth as a name belonging to a celebrated woman artist.
Famous people named Corinna
Corinna (ancient Greek poet)
Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Corinna
Caterina
“Pure, clear”
Caterina is the Italian form of Catherine, from the Greek Katharos meaning pure or clear. The name has been borne by two of the most influential women in European history: Catherine of Siena, a Doctor of the Church, and Caterina de Medici, who became Queen of France. It combines purity of meaning with an aristocratic bearing and the unmistakable musicality of the Italian language.
Celestina
“Heavenly, of the sky”
Celestina is an elaborated form of the Latin 'caelestis,' meaning heavenly or of the sky, derived from 'caelum' (sky, heaven). It is the feminine and somewhat ornate form of Célestin and Céleste, with the -ina suffix adding a musical, Italian-influenced sweetness to an already luminous name. Used in France and across Romance-language cultures, Celestina evokes sacred beauty, the infinite sky, and a serene spiritual elevation that gives the name a gentle grandeur.
Corinne
“Maiden; pure young woman”
Corinne is a French feminine name derived from the Greek 'Kore,' meaning 'maiden' or 'girl,' associated with Persephone in her aspect as the innocent young woman before her descent. The name was popularized in French culture through Madame de Stael's celebrated 1807 novel Corinne, ou l'Italie, which made the name a symbol of romantic genius and feminine artistic power.
Cosimina
“Order, beauty”
Cosimina is the Italian feminine diminutive of Cosimo, derived from the Greek 'Kosmas,' meaning order or beauty. The '-ina' suffix creates an affectionate, diminutive feminine form. It connects to the heritage of the Medici family, whose Cosimos shaped Renaissance Florence, while also honoring Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Cristina
“Follower of Christ”
Cristina is the Italian and Spanish form of Christina, derived from the Latin Christianus, meaning follower of Christ or anointed one. The name has a long history of use across Catholic southern Europe and Latin America. Queen Christina of Sweden, one of history's most remarkable female rulers, famously abdicated her throne and converted to Catholicism before settling in Rome, giving the name an association with intellectual independence and dramatic life choices. Cristina combines religious heritage with international elegance.
Where you'll find Corinna
Corinna shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.