What does Corey mean and where does it come from?
Corey is derived from the Irish surname 'Ó Comhdha', meaning 'descendant of Comhdha'. The name has been used for both genders, although it has gained more popularity for females in recent years. Variants of the name include Corrie, Kori, and Corie. It has a modern and trendy appeal, closely associat
Cultural significance
Corey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the hollow.
Peak popularity
Reached #523 in 1986 — currently #643 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Corey?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Corey?
Corey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Corey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Corey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Corey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Corey Claire
French influence · crisp
Corey Jane
Literary · strong
Corey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Corey right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #643 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #643 | 427 | ▼ down 8 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #635 | 437 | ▼ down 83 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #552 | 517 | ▲ up 3882 · +1623% births |
| 2020 | #4434 | 30 | ▲ up 2029 · +58% births |
| 2015 | #6463 | 19 | ▼ down 845 · -21% births |
| 2010 | #5618 | 24 | ▼ down 1230 · -23% births |
| 2005 | #4388 | 31 | ▼ down 2150 · -56% births |
| 2000 | #2238 | 70 | ▼ down 1323 · -66% births |
| 1995 | #915 | 206 | ▼ down 242 · -35% births |
| 1990 | #673 | 319 | ▼ down 144 · -16% births |
| 1985 | #529 | 378 | ▲ up 123 · +35% births |
| 1980 | #652 | 281 | ▼ down 50 · +5% births |
| 1975 | #602 | 267 | ▲ up 429 · +123% births |
| 1970 | #1031 | 120 | ▲ up 781 · +200% births |
| 1965 | #1812 | 40 | — |
The story of Corey
Corey entered American naming records in 1945 and has been in use for over 79 years. More than 191,849 babies have been named Corey since 1945. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4319 in 1945 to #643 in 2023. Corey is used for both genders: 5% female and 95% male.
Names that peaked alongside Corey in 1986:
Corey by decade
Corey peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 21 | |
| 1930s | 15 | |
| 1940s | 242 | |
| 1950s | 2,060 | |
| 1960s | 10,565 | |
| 1970s | 43,352 | |
| 1980s ★ | 56,728 | |
| 1990s | 52,238 | |
| 2000s | 17,874 | |
| 2010s | 8,182 | |
| 2020s | 567 | |
What are good nicknames for Corey?
Famous people named Corey
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Corey (Irish revolutionary)
Corey carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
C(
Corey (Celtic chieftain)
Corey bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
C(
Corey (Irish saint)
Corey helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
C(
Corey (Irish poet or writer)
Corey used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Corey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Corey also consider these
How is Corey written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Corey
What does the name Corey mean?
Corey means "from the hollow" — 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 Corey?
Corey is currently ranked #643 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 Corey?
Corey 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.
How do you pronounce the name Corey?
Corey is a two-syllable name pronounced K AO1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Corey more of a girl or boy name?
Corey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.