Tory Unisex

Popularity: #914 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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

Origin: English; Irish

Meaning: English: victory; Irish: from the place of the Tory

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Tory is believed to have originated from the Irish surname "Ó Tóraidhe," which means "descendant of Tóraidhe." The root of the name "Tóraidhe" is thought to be derived from the word "tóraidhe," meaning "pursuer" or "one who chases." This etymological path reflects a connection to the Gaelic language and culture, which has influenced various names in English-speaking countries. The transition into English likely occurred through the anglicization of Irish surnames during the 19th century, particularly as Irish immigrants settled in English-speaking regions, including the United States and Canada.

Historically, the name Tory has been associated with notable figures, particularly in the context of Irish history and politics. The term "Tory" was used in the 17th century to describe a political faction in England that supported the monarchy and the Anglican Church, contrasting with the Whigs, who favored parliamentary power and religious tolerance.

This political usage has contributed to the name's resonance in discussions of governance and loyalty throughout British history. Additionally, the name has been linked to various cultural references, including literature and political discourse, which have helped to sustain its presence in the English language.

Culturally, the name Tory carries connotations of loyalty and tradition, reflecting its historical roots in both Irish and British contexts. The name may also evoke a sense of heritage and identity for those with Irish ancestry.

While diminutive forms such as "Tor" or "Tory" have emerged, they often reflect a more informal or affectionate usage rather than altering the name's fundamental significance. Overall, the name Tory encapsulates a blend of linguistic heritage and historical depth, making it a noteworthy example of the interplay between language, culture, and identity.

Famous people named Tory

In this section, you will find notable people named Tory. 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 Tory who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Tory 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.

Tory Lanez is a rapper and singer best known for Luv, Say It, and Chixtape series.

Tory Burch is a fashion designer best known for her eponymous brand and the Reva ballet flat.

Sibling suggestions

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

TannerTylerTobiasTrentTate

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Tory. 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.

TroyTorynTorenTobinTalonTorrinTorrance

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Tory was first seen in the United States in 1947.

Tory has ranked as high as #799 nationally, which occurred in 1977, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, and Florida.

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

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Tory 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 Tory 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 Tory.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 46 24 22
2024 44 23 21
2023 41 27 14
2022 54 35 19
2021 44 23 21
2020 55 38 17
2019 64 35 29
2018 71 39 32
2017 75 42 33
2016 83 48 35
2015 77 40 37
2014 64 28 36
2013 75 31 44
2012 66 28 38
2011 80 41 39
2010 57 35 22
2009 71 42 29
2008 95 47 48
2007 97 60 37
2006 99 61 38
2005 136 69 67
2004 132 66 66
2003 139 83 56
2002 136 75 61
2001 135 71 64
2000 173 87 86
1999 160 83 77
1998 168 90 78
1997 195 105 90
1996 229 116 113
1995 248 148 100
1994 319 169 150
1993 339 197 142
1992 316 208 108
1991 291 200 91
1990 323 231 92
1989 321 245 76
1988 301 200 101
1987 296 208 88
1986 294 203 91
1985 256 176 80
1984 213 151 62
1983 226 163 63
1982 200 154 46
1981 168 131 37
1980 212 158 54
1979 280 205 75
1978 318 212 106
1977 466 286 180
1976 364 220 144
1975 254 199 55
1974 201 155 46
1973 174 143 31
1972 191 164 27
1971 148 115 33
1970 158 114 44
1969 126 96 30
1968 67 57 10
1967 77 49 28
1966 77 51 26
1965 62 40 22
1964 57 40 17
1963 79 38 41
1962 81 47 34
1961 105 49 56
1960 90 47 43
1959 70 27 43
1958 25 15 10
1957 30 18 12
1956 25 12 13
1955 23 11 12
1954 10 10 0
1953 17 10 7
1952 5 0 5
1951 6 0 6
1950 12 5 7
1949 13 5 8
1948 13 8 5
1947 8 8 0

Top States for Tory (2022)

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
LA 5
100%