Cary is a unisex given name of English origin, meaning "from the strong or rocky hill." The name is derived from the Old English word "cæfer," which refers to a short, steep hill or cliff. The name Cary has been in use since the Middle Ages and was originally used as a surname before becoming more popular as a given name in the modern era.
The name Cary is most commonly associated with the town of Cary, North Carolina, which was named after a family of English settlers who arrived in the area in the 1750s. The town became an important center for textile manufacturing and grew significantly during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Cary is a thriving suburban community located near Raleigh, the state capital.
In literature, the name Cary has been used as a character name in several notable works. For example, it appears in Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre" as the surname of one of the characters, and it is also the name of the protagonist in Thomas Hardy's novel "The Mayor of Casterbridge." Additionally, the American poet John Berryman wrote a series of poems called "The Dream Songs," which feature a character named Henry Cary.
Overall, the name Cary has a strong connection to English history and culture, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. While it may not be as widely used today as some other names, it remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique name for their child.
The name Cary has a rich history and popularity in the United States that spans over a century, from 1880 to present day. According to the statistics provided, there were 17 births with the name Cary in the year 1880. This number fluctuated over the following years, with peaks of 244 births in 1938 and 564 births in 1963.
Interestingly, the highest number of births with the name Cary occurred in recent years, with 41 births recorded in 2019. This demonstrates that despite its long history, the name Cary remains relevant and popular today.
Over the course of 142 years, there have been a total of 24,439 babies named Cary born in the United States. This impressive number illustrates the enduring appeal of the name Cary across generations.
It's exciting to see that even with the introduction of new names over time, classic and timeless names like Cary continue to be chosen by parents for their children. The statistics show a fascinating journey of popularity and fluctuations in usage, making each year unique and providing insight into societal trends during different periods in history.