Torrey Unisex

Popularity: #925 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: TOR-ee //ˈtɔːri//

Origin: English; Irish

Meaning: English: 'from the hill'; Irish: 'place name'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Torrey has its roots in the Old French word "tor" meaning "tower" or "hill," which itself derives from the Latin "turris," also meaning "tower." The name was introduced into England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it evolved into various forms, including the surname Torrey. The transition into English reflects the broader linguistic influences of the Norman invasion, which brought a significant number of French words into the English language, particularly in the realms of architecture and geography.

Historically, the name Torrey has been associated with notable figures and places. One significant milestone is the use of the name in the context of American history, particularly in the 19th century, where it appeared among early settlers and was sometimes used to denote geographical features or landmarks.

The name has also been linked to various locations in the United States, which may have contributed to its recognition in certain regions. While not directly tied to biblical figures or saints, the name's connection to the concept of strength and stability through its meaning has resonated in various cultural contexts.

Culturally, the name Torrey carries connotations of resilience and fortitude, symbolized by its association with towers that historically served as watchpoints or fortifications. This imagery has allowed the name to endure through the centuries, as it evokes a sense of protection and strength.

Additionally, the name has been used in various literary and artistic contexts, further embedding it within cultural narratives. The diminutive form "Tory" has also emerged, though it is less commonly referenced in historical texts.

Overall, the name Torrey encapsulates a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance that has allowed it to persist through time.

Famous people named Torrey

In this section, you will find notable people named Torrey. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Torrey who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Torrey who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Torrey Smith is a former American football wide receiver best known for his time with the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Torrey DeVitto is an actress and musician best known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars, Chicago Med, and One Tree Hill.

Torrey Pines is a golf course best known for hosting the U.S. Open and the Farmers Insurance Open.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Torrey, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

TobiasTannerTroyTateTalon

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Torrey. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

CoreyCoryToryDorianJoryKoryRoryStory

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Torrey was first seen in the United States in 1938.

Torrey has ranked as high as #965 nationally, which occurred in 1977, and has been most popular in California, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.

In the past 5 years the name Torrey has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Torrey is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Torrey was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Torrey.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 25 13 12
2024 28 21 7
2023 29 19 10
2022 25 14 11
2021 31 19 12
2020 24 13 11
2019 26 19 7
2018 32 24 8
2017 30 23 7
2016 28 20 8
2015 35 29 6
2014 37 29 8
2013 49 38 11
2012 36 27 9
2011 34 24 10
2010 46 37 9
2009 47 40 7
2008 60 46 14
2007 56 37 19
2006 54 35 19
2005 47 30 17
2004 48 32 16
2003 60 42 18
2002 60 44 16
2001 78 49 29
2000 73 44 29
1999 82 52 30
1998 90 64 26
1997 99 71 28
1996 96 60 36
1995 140 95 45
1994 155 109 46
1993 180 121 59
1992 131 95 36
1991 168 142 26
1990 152 116 36
1989 158 125 33
1988 157 130 27
1987 172 144 28
1986 147 120 27
1985 103 79 24
1984 103 88 15
1983 113 92 21
1982 129 107 22
1981 115 99 16
1980 134 114 20
1979 193 164 29
1978 300 260 40
1977 340 302 38
1976 284 250 34
1975 205 180 25
1974 161 144 17
1973 152 138 14
1972 174 166 8
1971 174 151 23
1970 135 122 13
1969 109 92 17
1968 42 31 11
1967 39 28 11
1966 26 19 7
1965 22 15 7
1964 16 11 5
1963 25 19 6
1962 18 18 0
1961 28 17 11
1960 37 24 13
1959 28 15 13
1958 10 5 5
1957 11 11 0
1956 8 8 0
1955 6 6 0
1954 8 8 0
1953 8 8 0
1952 8 8 0
1951 9 9 0
1949 6 6 0
1947 5 5 0
1946 7 7 0
1945 6 6 0
1942 9 9 0
1941 8 8 0
1938 5 5 0

Top States for Torrey (2023)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 5
100%