Corey is a gender-neutral given name of English origin that has gained significant popularity in recent decades. It is believed to have emerged as a short form or pet name for the name Cora, which is derived from the Latin word "corvus," meaning "raven." However, some sources suggest that Corey could also be a variant spelling of the Irish male name Cormac, which means "son of the sea chief."
The name Corey first appeared in print as a boy's name in the 1940s, but it was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that it began to gain widespread usage. During this period, the name became increasingly popular among parents seeking unique and unconventional names for their children. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with Corey reaching its peak popularity in the United States in 1987 when it ranked as the 25th most popular boys' name.
While Corey was initially considered a boy's name, its gender-neutral origins have led to its use for both male and female children. In fact, since the mid-1990s, Corey has been used more frequently for girls than boys in some countries such as Australia and Canada.
In popular culture, several notable individuals have carried the name Corey, including actors Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, musicians like Corey Taylor of Slipknot fame, and sports personalities such as basketball player Corey Maggette and football player Corey Dillon. These high-profile figures may have contributed to the name's enduring popularity.
In conclusion, Corey is a versatile and unique given name with roots in both English and Irish nomenclature. Its meaning, derived from Latin or Irish origins, adds to its allure. Despite its recent surge in popularity for girls, Corey remains a unisex name that can be used independently of gender stereotypes.
The name Corey has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over the past century. In the early 20th century, the name was quite rare, with only five births recorded in both 1919 and 1921. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with a significant increase in popularity between 1942 and 1950.
The name Corey reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1968, there were 1,577 births with the name Corey, marking a significant increase from previous years. This trend continued into the 1970s, with over 4,000 births recorded annually between 1975 and 1979.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Despite reaching an all-time high of 8,004 births in 1989, the number of Corey births decreased significantly over the following decade, with fewer than 3,000 births recorded annually between 1992 and 2001.
The decline continued into the 21st century, with less than 1,000 births recorded annually between 2006 and 2015. In recent years, however, there has been a slight resurgence in popularity for the name Corey, with over 400 births recorded each year since 2018.
Overall, the name Corey has been given to a total of 184,286 babies in the United States since records began. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a classic and enduring choice for parents across the country.