Even according to cranial Charles Darwin, that is?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertebrates

"
The grouping sometimes includes the hagfish, which have no vertebrae, but are genetically quite closely related to lampreys, which do have vertebrae.[1] For this reason, the sub-phylum is sometimes referred to as "Craniata", as all members do possess a cranium."

Smug, but wry afterthought: If hagfish can be included in the vertebrata, then certainly the formative pre-vertebral human foetus.

Etymology
"
The word vertebrate derives from Latin vertebrātus (Pliny), meaning having joints. It is closely related to the word vertebra, which refers to any of the bones or segments of the spinal column.[8]"

Which just goes to show "you" where an Angussian bunny-trail with sophomoric word anal-ysis will probably take you. (nowhere).