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Cormac Boy

Popularity: #767 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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

Cormac McCarthy is an author best known for The Road, No Country for Old Men, and Blood Meridian.
Cormac O'Brien is a writer best known for his work in the field of historical fiction and fantasy.

Fictional characters named Cormac

Cormac McCarthy is a fictional character from the novel The Road. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose works often explore themes of survival and the human condition.

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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
15%
CA 12
13%
NY 12
13%
MA 11
12%
PA 10
11%
TX 9
9%
CT 8
8%
OH 8
8%
MI 6
6%
WA 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19565
19615
19625
19719
19725
197311
19747
19779
19789
197911
19827
19835
19857
19867
19876
198811
19895
19906
19918
19929
199317
199419
199534
199648
199741
199850
199937
200052
200174
200267
200356
200458
200572
200674
2007102
2008113
2009103
2010126
2011150
2012163
2013169
2014196
2015175
2016170
2017177
2018140
2019141
2020153
2021158
2022152
2023158
2024157