Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cormac
BoyIrish· “uncertain; possibly 'charioteer'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'charioteer' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KOR-mak
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,298
- US babies 2025
- 150
- Best rank
- #1,033 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Cormac
Cormac is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'charioteer'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
Traditional and distinctly Irish, Cormac has a meaning that is uncertain; it is often explained as 'charioteer' or linked to words for 'raven' or 'son', but scholars disagree. It is borne by Cormac mac Airt, a legendary high king of Ireland, and by several early Irish saints and bishops. In modern times, novelist Cormac McCarthy made the name familiar to readers worldwide. Cormac feels rugged, literary and distinctly Irish. Mac is a natural nickname, though the full name is short enough to use every day.
Popularity over time
Cormac first appears in US Social Security records in 1956. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,033 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 196 babies. In 2025, 150 babies were named Cormac, and it ranked #1,298 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,970 in 2000, #1,349 in 2010, and #1,298 in 2025. Of the 3,698 US boys named Cormac since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 928 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Taj, Jai, Aayden, Kenton, and Corban.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cormac ranked highest in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #518 | 9 |
| Maryland | #827 | 5 |
| Minnesota | #834 | 5 |
| Tennessee | #860 | 7 |
| Ohio | #873 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Cormac is usually pronounced KOR-mak, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-ac”.
Middle names for Cormac
A few middle names that flow with Cormac: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cormac
Similar names
Angus Boy
ANG-guhs
“one strength” · Scottish
#2,363
Connor Boy
KAH-nur
“lover of hounds” · Irish
#166
Oscar Boy
AWS-kur
“possibly deer friend” · Irish
#223
Conner Boy
KAH-nur
“lover of hounds (variant of Connor)” · Irish
#864
Conor Boy
KAH-nur
“lover of hounds” · Irish
#845
Kian Boy
KEE-uhn
“ancient, enduring” · Irish
#401
Shannon Unisex
SHA-nuhn
“from the River Shannon” · Irish
#2,405
Isaac Boy
EYE-zuhk
“he will laugh” · Hebrew
#47
Braden Boy
BRAY-den
“descendant of Bradán; salmon” · Irish
#1,152
Brendan Boy
BREHN-duhn
“prince” · Irish
#1,098
Aden Boy
AY-duhn
“little fire” · Irish
#1,008
Brennan Boy
BREH-nuhn
“from an Irish surname” · Irish
#1,003
Lists that include Cormac
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cormac mean?
Cormac is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'charioteer'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Cormac?
Cormac has Irish roots. Traditional and distinctly Irish, Cormac has a meaning that is uncertain; it is often explained as 'charioteer' or linked to words for 'raven' or 'son', but scholars disagree.
Is Cormac a popular name?
Not especially. Cormac ranked #1,298 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cormac a boy or girl name?
Cormac is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Cormac?
Cormac is usually pronounced KOR-mak. 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