Carey is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname "Ó Cathasaigh," which is believed to have been brought over to England during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The name means "valiant" or "vigorous," and it has been associated with strength and courage throughout history.
The surname Carey has a rich history, dating back to ancient Ireland. It is said to be derived from the Gaelic word "cathasaigh," which means "vigorous" or "valiant." The Careys were a noble family in County Cork, and they played an important role in Irish politics and culture for centuries.
The name Carey has been used as both a first name and a surname throughout history. In England, the Carey family was prominent during the Elizabethan era, with Sir George Carey serving as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth I. The Careys also had connections to the royal court of King James I.
Today, Carey is still a popular name in Ireland and around the world. It has been used as both a boy's and girl's name, although it is more commonly given to girls in recent years. Despite its Irish origins, Carey has become a global name, appearing in many different cultures and languages.
Overall, Carey is a strong and powerful name with a rich history behind it. Its meaning of "valiant" or "vigorous" makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that embodies strength and courage. Whether used as a first name or a surname, Carey is sure to make a lasting impression.
The name Carey has been given to a total of 16,845 babies born in the United States since 1880, as indicated by the annual birth statistics provided. The popularity of the name varied greatly over the years, with peaks and valleys in its usage.
In the early years, from 1880 to 1900, there were periods where Carey was quite popular, such as in 1884 with 24 births, and then again in 1897 with 20 births. However, the name's popularity started to decline around the turn of the century, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1901 to 1933.
The name Carey began to gain traction again in the mid-20th century. In 1946, there were 173 births, and by 1952, that number had risen to 338. The peak of popularity for the name came in 1957 with 461 births. After this high point, the popularity of Carey began to decline once more.
From the late 1960s until the early 1980s, there were consistently around 200-300 babies named Carey each year. However, since then, its usage has significantly decreased. In recent years, the number of babies named Carey has been in single digits, with only 7 births recorded in 2021 and 11 births in both 2022 and 2023.
In conclusion, while Carey was once a popular name, its usage has declined significantly over time. Despite this, the name still has historical significance, having been given to thousands of babies born in the United States since the late 19th century.