What does Cori mean and where does it come from?
Cori is a variant of Corey, which is of Gaelic origin and is derived from the word 'coire', meaning 'hollow' or 'dell'. The name is predominantly used in English-speaking countries and gained popularity in the latter part of the 20th century. Cori can also be a short form of various names like Corin
Cultural significance
Cori has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the hollow.
Peak popularity
Reached #483 in 1977 — currently #1932 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cori?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cori?
Cori works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cori Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Cori Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Cori Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Cori Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Cori Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Cori Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Cori right now?
Falling — down 160 spots — currently #1932 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1932 | 100 | ▼ down 160 · -12% births |
| 2024 | #1772 | 114 | ▲ up 45 · +3% births |
| 2023 | #1817 | 111 | ▲ up 3 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #1820 | 112 | ▼ down 250 · -16% births |
| 2021 | #1570 | 134 | ▲ up 261 · +26% births |
| 2020 | #1831 | 106 | ▼ down 36 · -9% births |
| 2015 | #1795 | 116 | ▲ up 523 · +41% births |
| 2010 | #2318 | 82 | ▼ down 278 · -11% births |
| 2005 | #2040 | 92 | ▼ down 836 · -44% births |
| 2000 | #1204 | 165 | ▼ down 455 · -40% births |
| 1995 | #749 | 273 | ▼ down 45 · -9% births |
| 1990 | #704 | 299 | ▼ down 98 · -4% births |
| 1985 | #606 | 313 | ▼ down 18 · -1% births |
| 1980 | #588 | 315 | ▼ down 24 · +6% births |
| 1975 | #564 | 298 | — |
The story of Cori
Cori entered American naming records in 1947 and has been in use for over 77 years. A total of 12,820 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4298 in 1950 to #1817 in 2023. Cori is used for both genders: 91% female and 9% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cori in 1977:
Cori by decade
Cori peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 224 | |
| 1960s | 919 | |
| 1970s | 3,002 | |
| 1980s ★ | 3,297 | |
| 1990s | 2,877 | |
| 2000s | 1,252 | |
| 2010s | 1,128 | |
| 2020s | 344 | |
What are good nicknames for Cori?
What names sound and feel like Cori?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cori also consider these
How is Cori written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Cori?
Common questions about the name Cori
What does the name Cori mean?
Cori means "From the hollow" — a name rooted in English 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 Cori?
Cori 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 Cori?
Cori originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cori a common or rare name?
Cori is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Cori more of a girl or boy name?
Cori is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.