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Cory Unisex

Popularity: #728 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KOR-ee //ˈkɔːri//

Origin: Irish; Greek

Meaning: Irish: 'from the hollow'; Greek: 'the chosen one'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Cory has its roots in the ancient Greek word "korys," which means "helmet" or "hollow." This term evolved through various forms, eventually leading to the Latin "Corylus," which refers to the hazel tree. The transition into English occurred through Old French, where the name was adopted as "Cory" or "Coryn," and it became more widely recognized in the English-speaking world during the medieval period.

Historically, the name Cory has been associated with several notable figures and cultural references. In the context of literature, Cory is often linked to the pastoral poetry of the Renaissance, where it was used as a poetic persona.

The name appears in works such as Edmund Spenser's "The Shepheard's Calendar" from the late 16th century, where Cory is depicted as a shepherd, symbolizing innocence and pastoral beauty. Additionally, the name has been used in various forms of art and literature throughout the centuries, contributing to its cultural resonance.

Cory has also been associated with various saints and religious figures, particularly in Christian traditions. The name is sometimes linked to Saint Corbinian, a 7th-century bishop and missionary in Bavaria, whose influence helped spread Christianity in the region.

This connection to religious figures has imbued the name with a sense of historical significance and reverence. In terms of symbolic associations, the name Cory evokes themes of nature and simplicity, often linked to pastoral and rural life.

The diminutive form "Cory" has been used affectionately in various cultures, enhancing its appeal and familiarity. Overall, the name Cory carries a rich historical and cultural legacy, reflecting its linguistic roots and the various contexts in which it has been employed throughout history.

Famous people named Cory

Cory Monteith was an actor best known for his role as Finn Hudson on Glee.
Cory Schneider is a professional ice hockey player best known for playing as a goaltender in the NHL.
Cory Doctorow is an author and activist best known for his novels Little Brother, Homeland, and his work on digital rights.
Cory Lidle was a professional baseball player best known for his time with the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.

Fictional characters named Cory

Cory Matthews is a fictional character from the TV series Boy Meets World. He is the main protagonist who navigates the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood with his friends and family.
Cory Baxter is a fictional character from the TV series Cory in the House. He is a teenager who moves to Washington, D.C. to live in the White House with his father, the President's chef.

Sibling suggestions

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Cory was first seen in the United States in 1924. Cory has ranked as high as #116 nationally, which occurred in 1989, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Cory has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Cory (2024)

State Births Share
CA 18
13%
TX 17
12%
FL 14
10%
OH 14
10%
NY 10
7%
NC 9
7%
GA 8
6%
MO 6
4%
WA 6
4%
IN 6
4%
MS 5
4%
WI 5
4%
PA 5
4%
MA 5
4%
TN 5
4%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19247
19365
19415
194213
194314
194417
194531
194617
194725
194826
194926
195046
195163
195246
195363
1954139
1955209
1956184
1957284
1958282
1959311
1960353
1961446
1962441
1963394
1964430
1965450
1966444
1967438
1968717
19691,783
19701,762
19711,986
19721,957
19732,034
19742,329
19752,573
19763,183
19774,257
19783,843
19793,587
19803,556
19813,355
19823,237
19833,403
19843,505
19853,868
19864,871
19875,849
19886,267
19896,450
19905,765
19915,121
19924,436
19933,997
19943,529
19953,010
19962,446
19972,083
19982,075
19991,704
20001,496
20011,263
20021,119
2003924
2004817
2005773
2006653
2007706
2008608
2009544
2010438
2011362
2012372
2013377
2014357
2015341
2016320
2017301
2018242
2019244
2020245
2021221
2022182
2023174
2024197