Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Corey
BoyIrish· “from an Irish surname”
- Meaning
- from an Irish surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KOR-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #778
- US babies 2025
- 327
- Best rank
- #52 (1977)
- Peak year
- 1989
Meaning and origin of Corey
Corey is often said to mean “from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Corey comes from an Irish surname, but its deeper origin is uncertain. It has been linked to several Irish family names and sometimes to the Old Norse personal name Kori, and popular sources often give meanings such as from the hollow, none of which is well established. Corey became a familiar given name for boys in the United States in the second half of the twentieth century, and it is also used for girls. It feels friendly, casual and approachable, in the same generation as names like Kyle and Casey. Cory and Korey are common alternative spellings.
Other spellings with the same sound: Cory, Kory, Korey, Corrie, Corry, Kaori, Korry.
Popularity over time
Corey first appears in US Social Security records in 1919. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 77 different years, starting in 1949. Its best national rank was #52 in 1977, and the most babies received it in 1989, when 8,003 were named Corey. In 2025, 327 babies were named Corey, and it ranked #778 nationally. That is 57% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #900 in 1950, #68 in 1980, #149 in 2000, #316 in 2010, and #778 in 2025. Of the 185,020 US boys named Corey since records began, 29% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 50,223 babies. Since 2010, 10,643 more have been named Corey.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Derek, Travis, Victor, Sean, and Johnathan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Corey ranked highest in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Massachusetts.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | #443 | 11 |
| Louisiana | #459 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #482 | 10 |
| Missouri | #529 | 11 |
| Mississippi | #544 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Corey over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Corey is usually pronounced KOR-ee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Cory, Kory, Korey, and Corrie.
Middle names for Corey
A few middle names that flow with Corey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Corey
Similar names
Casey Unisex
KAY-see
“vigilant, watchful” · Irish
#320
Finley Unisex
FIHN-lee
“fair warrior” · Scottish
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Bradley Boy
BRAD-lee
“broad clearing” · English
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Jeffrey Boy
JEF-ree
“possibly territory of peace” · Germanic
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Joey Unisex
JOH-ee
“he will add; short for Joseph” · English
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Connor Boy
KAH-nur
“lover of hounds” · Irish
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Kevin Boy
KEH-vihn
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Brody Boy
BROH-dee
“from a Scottish and Irish surname” · Scottish
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Aidan Boy
AY-dihn
“little fire” · Irish
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Bentley Boy
BEHNT-lee
“clearing with bent grass” · Old English
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Bryan Boy
BRY-uhn
“possibly high or noble” · Irish
#336
Brian Boy
BRY-uhn
“possibly high or noble” · Irish
#339
Lists that include Corey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Corey mean?
Corey is often said to mean “from an Irish surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Corey?
Corey has Irish roots. Corey comes from an Irish surname, but its deeper origin is uncertain.
Is Corey a popular name?
Yes. Corey ranked #778 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Corey a boy or girl name?
Corey is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Corey over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Corey?
Corey is usually pronounced KOR-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings