Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cory
BoyIrish, English
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, English
- Pronunciation
- KAW-ree
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,245
- US babies 2025
- 160
- Best rank
- #59 (1988)
- Peak year
- 1989
Meaning and origin of Cory
Cory is usually linked to Irish and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
Cory is an English and Irish surname whose origin is uncertain. It may come from the Old Norse name Kori, or from Irish surnames such as Ó Comhraidhe, and it has been linked to the Gaelic coire, "cauldron" or "hollow," but none of these explanations is certain. As a first name, Cory became popular in the United States in the mid to late twentieth century, mostly for boys. It sounds friendly and casual, with an easygoing feel. Spelling variants include Corey, Korey and Corie.
Other spellings with the same sound: Corey, Kory, Korey, Corrie, Corry, Kaori, Korry.
Popularity over time
Cory first appears in US Social Security records in 1924. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 70 different years, starting in 1951. Its best national rank was #59 in 1988, and the most babies received it in 1989, when 6,450 were named Cory. In 2025, 160 babies were named Cory, and it ranked #1,245 nationally. That is 53% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,038 in 1950, #83 in 1980, #227 in 2000, #578 in 2010, and #1,245 in 2025. Of the 127,179 US boys named Cory since records began, 35% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 34,166 babies. Since 2010, 4,534 more have been named Cory.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Derek, Victor, Johnathan, Jonathon, and Mathew.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cory ranked highest in Indiana, Tennessee, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | #723 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #861 | 7 |
| Michigan | #1013 | 6 |
| California | #1088 | 19 |
| Illinois | #1158 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Cory over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Cory is usually pronounced KAW-ree, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with C and ends in “-ry”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Corey, Kory, Korey, and Corrie.
Middle names for Cory
A few middle names that flow with Cory: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cory
Similar names
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Lists that include Cory
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cory mean?
Cory is usually linked to Irish and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Cory?
Cory has Irish and English roots. Cory is an English and Irish surname whose origin is uncertain.
Is Cory a popular name?
Not especially. Cory ranked #1,245 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cory a boy or girl name?
Cory is mainly a boy's name. About 96% of US babies named Cory over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Cory?
Cory is usually pronounced KAW-ree. 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