What does Carey mean and where does it come from?
Carey is a name with multiple origins, primarily derived from the Irish surname 'Ó Ciardha', meaning 'descendant of Ciardha', and the English word referring to a person's location, specifically meaning 'from the marsh'. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries, especially in the Unite
Cultural significance
Carey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of ciardha.
Peak popularity
Reached #304 in 1975 — currently #6958 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Carey?
Carey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Carey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Carey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Carey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Carey Claire
French influence · crisp
Carey Jane
Literary · strong
Carey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Carey right now?
Rising fast — up 385 spots — currently #6958 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6958 | 12 | ▲ up 385 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #7343 | 11 | ▲ up 2549 · +57% births |
| 2021 | #9892 | 7 | ▲ up 284 · -22% births |
| 2020 | #10176 | 9 | ▲ up 1647 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #11823 | 8 | ▼ down 4917 · -56% births |
| 2010 | #6906 | 18 | ▼ down 1947 · -31% births |
| 2005 | #4959 | 26 | ▼ down 1553 · -33% births |
| 2000 | #3406 | 39 | ▼ down 1505 · -47% births |
| 1995 | #1901 | 73 | ▼ down 325 · -24% births |
| 1990 | #1576 | 96 | ▼ down 671 · -45% births |
| 1985 | #905 | 175 | ▼ down 360 · -49% births |
| 1980 | #545 | 341 | ▼ down 241 · -55% births |
| 1975 | #304 | 757 | ▲ up 185 · +85% births |
| 1970 | #489 | 410 | ▲ up 323 · +173% births |
| 1965 | #812 | 150 | — |
The story of Carey
Carey has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 29,533 babies have received this name. Once ranked #756 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6958 in 2023. Carey is used for both genders: 43% female and 57% male.
Names that peaked alongside Carey in 1975:
Carey by decade
Carey peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 150 | |
| 1890s | 168 | |
| 1900s | 175 | |
| 1910s | 617 | |
| 1920s | 824 | |
| 1930s | 931 | |
| 1940s | 1,854 | |
| 1950s | 4,831 | |
| 1960s | 5,346 | |
| 1970s ★ | 8,371 | |
| 1980s | 3,628 | |
| 1990s | 1,684 | |
| 2000s | 597 | |
| 2010s | 336 | |
| 2020s | 21 | |
What are good nicknames for Carey?
Famous people named Carey
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Carey (Irish revolutionary)
Carey carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
C(
Carey (Irish poet or writer)
Carey used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
C(
Carey (Irish revolutionary)
Carey carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
C(
Carey (traditional Irish musician)
Carey passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Carey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Carey also consider these
How is Carey written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Carey
What does the name Carey mean?
Carey means "descendant of Ciardha" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Carey?
Carey is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Carey?
Carey originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Carey a common or rare name?
Carey is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Carey more of a girl or boy name?
Carey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.