Cory Unisex
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
Fictional characters named Cory
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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 | |
| TX | 17 | |
| FL | 14 | |
| OH | 14 | |
| NY | 10 | |
| NC | 9 | |
| GA | 8 | |
| MO | 6 | |
| WA | 6 | |
| IN | 6 | |
| MS | 5 | |
| WI | 5 | |
| PA | 5 | |
| MA | 5 | |
| TN | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1924 | 7 |
| 1936 | 5 |
| 1941 | 5 |
| 1942 | 13 |
| 1943 | 14 |
| 1944 | 17 |
| 1945 | 31 |
| 1946 | 17 |
| 1947 | 25 |
| 1948 | 26 |
| 1949 | 26 |
| 1950 | 46 |
| 1951 | 63 |
| 1952 | 46 |
| 1953 | 63 |
| 1954 | 139 |
| 1955 | 209 |
| 1956 | 184 |
| 1957 | 284 |
| 1958 | 282 |
| 1959 | 311 |
| 1960 | 353 |
| 1961 | 446 |
| 1962 | 441 |
| 1963 | 394 |
| 1964 | 430 |
| 1965 | 450 |
| 1966 | 444 |
| 1967 | 438 |
| 1968 | 717 |
| 1969 | 1,783 |
| 1970 | 1,762 |
| 1971 | 1,986 |
| 1972 | 1,957 |
| 1973 | 2,034 |
| 1974 | 2,329 |
| 1975 | 2,573 |
| 1976 | 3,183 |
| 1977 | 4,257 |
| 1978 | 3,843 |
| 1979 | 3,587 |
| 1980 | 3,556 |
| 1981 | 3,355 |
| 1982 | 3,237 |
| 1983 | 3,403 |
| 1984 | 3,505 |
| 1985 | 3,868 |
| 1986 | 4,871 |
| 1987 | 5,849 |
| 1988 | 6,267 |
| 1989 | 6,450 |
| 1990 | 5,765 |
| 1991 | 5,121 |
| 1992 | 4,436 |
| 1993 | 3,997 |
| 1994 | 3,529 |
| 1995 | 3,010 |
| 1996 | 2,446 |
| 1997 | 2,083 |
| 1998 | 2,075 |
| 1999 | 1,704 |
| 2000 | 1,496 |
| 2001 | 1,263 |
| 2002 | 1,119 |
| 2003 | 924 |
| 2004 | 817 |
| 2005 | 773 |
| 2006 | 653 |
| 2007 | 706 |
| 2008 | 608 |
| 2009 | 544 |
| 2010 | 438 |
| 2011 | 362 |
| 2012 | 372 |
| 2013 | 377 |
| 2014 | 357 |
| 2015 | 341 |
| 2016 | 320 |
| 2017 | 301 |
| 2018 | 242 |
| 2019 | 244 |
| 2020 | 245 |
| 2021 | 221 |
| 2022 | 182 |
| 2023 | 174 |
| 2024 | 197 |