Coney is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the surname Coney, which itself comes from an Old English word meaning "rabbit." The name was likely given to people who were swift or clever like rabbits, or possibly had a physical resemblance to one.
The use of Coney as a first name is believed to have begun in the United States during the late 19th century. It was particularly popular among families of Irish descent, though it has since become more widely used across different ethnic backgrounds.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Coney. One such person was American baseball player James "Coney" Kennedy, who played for the Chicago White Sox in the early 20th century. Additionally, there was a famous American jazz musician named Eddie "Coney" Harney, known for his work as a pianist and bandleader during the swing era.
Today, Coney remains a relatively rare but charming given name choice. It is often used as a nickname or short form of names like Cornelius or Connell, but can also stand alone as a unique and memorable moniker. Despite its unconventional nature, Coney has a certain appeal due to its playful sound and distinctive meaning.
The name Coney has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1917 and 1973, there were a total of 42 babies named Coney, with an average of about one birth per year.
Interestingly, the name's popularity seemed to peak during the mid-20th century, with five births recorded each year between 1954 and 1960. This suggests that the name may have been particularly favored by parents during this time period.
However, it appears that the name Coney was not as popular in other years. Between 1917 and 1923, there were only seven births recorded, with five of those occurring between 1922 and 1923. The name also saw a decline in popularity after 1960, with only five births recorded in 1969 and 1973.
Overall, while the name Coney may not have been one of the most popular choices for parents in the United States during this time period, it was still used with some frequency. It will be interesting to see if its popularity continues to fluctuate or if it becomes more common in future years.