Kellogg’s: The Story Behind Cornelius “Corny” Rooster

Language has a way of delivering unexpected “aha” moments, and the story of Kellogg’s mascot is a perfect example. The cockerel first appeared on Cornflakes boxes in 1957 and is officially named Cornelius Rooster, though fans affectionately call him Corny. But the origin of his name and design is even more intriguing.

According to Wales Online, company founder Will Kellogg once met Welsh harpist Nansi Richards while she was touring the United States. She suggested using a rooster as the brand’s mascot—and here’s the clever twist: the Welsh word for rooster, “ceilog,” sounds remarkably like “Kellogg.” What started as a simple suggestion became a playful pun that has endured for decades.

While Cheerios, particularly Original and Honey Nut, dominate the U.S. cereal market as consistent top-sellers, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes remain an iconic and enduring favorite. Introduced over a century ago, Corn Flakes helped define the modern breakfast cereal and still holds a loyal following, even as other brands like Frosted Flakes and Cinnamon Toast Crunch capture younger audiences with sweeter flavors and playful marketing. In a market often considered the largest in the world by volume and sales, Corn Flakes may no longer top charts, but its legacy as a pioneering cereal keeps it firmly in the conversation among America’s most beloved breakfast staples.

A Nod to Wales and Early Marketing

Some accounts suggest that Cornelius’s original bright green and red colors were chosen as a tribute to the Welsh flag. In early television commercials, Cornelius often couldn’t crow until he had eaten a bowl of Corn Flakes, highlighting the cereal’s promise to give children a “great start” to their morning. For much of his history, Cornelius remained a relatively silent character. In fact, for the first decade, only his head, neck, and tail appeared on cereal boxes—his full body wasn’t revealed until 1968.

From clever wordplay to thoughtful marketing, Cornelius Rooster remains one of the most recognizable and enduring mascots in cereal history.