Cormac Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KOR-mak //ˈkɔːr.mæk//
Origin: Irish; Gaelic
Meaning: Irish: 'charioteer'; Gaelic: 'son of the charioteer'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cormac has its roots in the Old Irish name "Cormac," which is derived from the elements "cor" meaning "charioteer" or "raven" and "mac" meaning "son." This etymology suggests a literal meaning of "son of the charioteer" or "son of the raven." The name has been preserved in various forms throughout the centuries, transitioning from Old Irish to Middle Irish and eventually into the modern English usage, maintaining its original phonetic structure. Historically, Cormac is associated with several notable figures in Irish history and mythology.
One of the most prominent is Cormac mac Airt, a legendary High King of Tara, who is said to have reigned in the 3rd century. His reign is celebrated in various medieval texts, including the "Annals of the Four Masters" and the "Book of Leinster," which highlight his wisdom and justice.
Additionally, Cormac appears in early Christian texts, where he is often depicted as a patron of learning and the arts, further embedding the name in the cultural and historical narrative of Ireland. The name Cormac carries significant cultural resonance, particularly in Irish folklore and literature.
It is often associated with themes of leadership, valor, and wisdom, reflecting the qualities attributed to its historical bearers. The name has also been linked to various saints and ecclesiastical figures, reinforcing its importance in the Christian tradition.
In literature, Cormac has inspired various works, serving as a symbol of Irish heritage and identity. The diminutive form "Mac" is sometimes used affectionately, though Cormac itself remains the primary form in historical contexts.
Famous people named Cormac
Fictional characters named Cormac
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cormac was first seen in the United States in 1956. Cormac has ranked as high as #1199 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in New York, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Cormac has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Cormac (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IL | 14 | |
| CA | 12 | |
| NY | 12 | |
| MA | 11 | |
| PA | 10 | |
| TX | 9 | |
| CT | 8 | |
| OH | 8 | |
| MI | 6 | |
| WA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1956 | 5 |
| 1961 | 5 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1971 | 9 |
| 1972 | 5 |
| 1973 | 11 |
| 1974 | 7 |
| 1977 | 9 |
| 1978 | 9 |
| 1979 | 11 |
| 1982 | 7 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 34 |
| 1996 | 48 |
| 1997 | 41 |
| 1998 | 50 |
| 1999 | 37 |
| 2000 | 52 |
| 2001 | 74 |
| 2002 | 67 |
| 2003 | 56 |
| 2004 | 58 |
| 2005 | 72 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 102 |
| 2008 | 113 |
| 2009 | 103 |
| 2010 | 126 |
| 2011 | 150 |
| 2012 | 163 |
| 2013 | 169 |
| 2014 | 196 |
| 2015 | 175 |
| 2016 | 170 |
| 2017 | 177 |
| 2018 | 140 |
| 2019 | 141 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 152 |
| 2023 | 158 |
| 2024 | 157 |