What does Kory mean and where does it come from?
Kory is a gender-neutral name commonly used for females in the United States. It is a variant of Corey, which has Old Norse origins meaning 'hollow' or 'in a hollow place'. The name has become popular since the late 20th century, particularly in North America, and evokes a contemporary and free-spir
Cultural significance
Kory has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2160 in 1986 — currently #2716 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kory?
Kory works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kory Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kory Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kory Claire
French influence · crisp
Kory Jane
Literary · strong
Kory Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kory right now?
Falling — down 410 spots — currently #2716 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2716 | 48 | ▼ down 410 · -23% births |
| 2022 | #2306 | 62 | ▲ up 448 · +35% births |
| 2021 | #2754 | 46 | ▲ up 5680 · +283% births |
| 2020 | #8434 | 12 | ▼ down 1671 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #6763 | 18 | ▲ up 8472 · +200% births |
| 2010 | #15235 | 6 | ▼ down 6244 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #8991 | 12 | ▼ down 852 |
| 2000 | #8139 | 12 | ▼ down 4232 · -56% births |
| 1995 | #3907 | 27 | ▲ up 35 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #3942 | 26 | ▼ down 899 · -13% births |
| 1985 | #3043 | 30 | ▼ down 213 · -6% births |
| 1980 | #2830 | 32 | ▼ down 486 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #2344 | 35 | ▲ up 1829 · +150% births |
| 1970 | #4173 | 14 | ▲ up 965 · +75% births |
| 1965 | #5138 | 8 | — |
The story of Kory
Kory entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. A total of 15,433 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5138 in 1965 to #2716 in 2023. Kory is used for both genders: 8% female and 92% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kory in 1986:
Kory by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 210 | |
| 1960s | 1,064 | |
| 1970s | 2,826 | |
| 1980s ★ | 4,510 | |
| 1990s | 4,272 | |
| 2000s | 1,659 | |
| 2010s | 828 | |
| 2020s | 64 | |
What are good nicknames for Kory?
What names sound and feel like Kory?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kory also consider these
How is Kory written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Kory
What does the name Kory mean?
Kory means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Kory?
Kory 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 Kory?
Kory originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Kory a common or rare name?
Kory is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Kory more of a girl or boy name?
Kory is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.