Cory is a unisex given name of American origin. It was popularized by the character Cory Matthews from the 1990s sitcom "Boy Meets World," which starred Ben Savage as the titular character. The name's meaning and history, however, predate this television show.
The name Cory is derived from the Gaelic male given name Cormac, which means "chariot of the sea." This name has been used in Irish and Scottish families for centuries and was brought to America by early settlers. It is also related to the Cornish name Cory, which means "from the fort."
In terms of history, the most notable figure associated with the name Cory is Cormac mac Airt, who was a legendary High King of Ireland from the 3rd century AD. According to Irish mythology, Cormac mac Airt was known for his wisdom and just rule.
While the name Cory has traditionally been considered male, it has also been used as a female given name in recent years. This is likely due to its popularity as a unisex name in popular culture, such as with characters like Cory Tippin from the television show "My Name Is Earl."
In conclusion, Cory is a unique and historical given name of American origin that has a rich history dating back centuries. Its meaning, "chariot of the sea," adds to its mystique and intrigue. While it was popularized by modern media, such as "Boy Meets World," its roots lie in ancient Gaelic culture and mythology.
The name Cory has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early years, from 1932 to 1947, there were relatively few births with the name Cory, ranging from just 5 to 20 per year.
However, beginning in the late 1940s and continuing through the 1960s, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Cory. The peak of this period occurred in 1972 with 145 births. This trend continued into the early 1980s, reaching an all-time high of 260 births in 1986.
After this point, the popularity of the name Cory began to decline. By 1990, there were only 192 babies named Cory born that year. This downward trend continued throughout the remainder of the century and into the new millennium, with fewer than 50 Corys being born each year between 1996 and 2018.
In recent years, however, there has been a slight resurgence in popularity for the name Cory. In 2022, there were 23 babies named Cory born in the United States, up from just 9 in 2018. This suggests that while Cory may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a name with enduring appeal.
In total, over the past century, there have been 6568 babies named Cory born in the United States.