Etymologically, Cory is fascinatingly diverse. While most commonly associated with the Irish Gaelic landscape term for a “hollow” or “ravine,” suggesting depth and connection to the earth, it also touches on Norse roots and Greek mythology.
Verdict: Cory is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025 if you are looking for a “bridge” name. It connects the classic era of the late 20th century with modern trends toward soft, vowel-heavy names for boys. It is familiar without being trendy, ensuring your child will likely be the only Cory in their kindergarten class.
Cory Overview
- Meaning: Cory has several meanings and origins, including “from the hollow,” “cauldron,” “spear,” or “maiden.”
- Gender: The name is unisex but is used most commonly among boys.
- Origin: The name is of Irish Gaelic, Greek, and Norse origin.
- Pronunciation: “KOHR-ee”
- Popularity: It is fairly popular as both a boy’s and a girl’s name.
- Nicknames: Coco, Cor, Cor-Cor, Coral, Corazón, Cork, Corky, Corn, Corny, C-Ray, Quart, Ray, Ree, Ree-Ree.
- Variations: Cora, Corey, Cori, Corie, Corinna, Corinne, Corrie, Kora, Korey, Kori, Korie, Korinna, Korinne, Korrie, Kory.
- Namesakes: Cory Doctorow (American author), Cory Feldman (American actor), Corey Taylor (American musician).
What Does Cory Mean?
The name Cory is a linguistic chameleon, carrying different meanings depending on which etymological path you follow (1). While it is often treated as a simple playful name, its roots are grounded in nature and mythology.
The most prominent meanings include:
- “From the hollow”: This is the most widely accepted definition, referring to a geographical feature like a ravine or a small valley.
- “Cauldron”: Closely linked to the “hollow” definition, this refers to a seething pool of water or a circular depression in the land.
- “Spear”: When traced back to specific Irish surnames, it can imply a warrior-like sharpness.
- “Maiden”: A meaning derived strictly from the Greek feminine usage.
Where Does the Name Cory Come From?
The history of Cory is a tapestry woven from Irish, Norse, and Greek threads.
The Irish Connection
In Irish Gaelic, the name is deeply tied to the landscape. As a given name, it comes from the word coire. In Irish geography, a “coire” refers to a cauldron-like hollow on the side of a mountain. It is a rugged, nature-inspired origin that suggests depth.
As a surname, it evolves from Ó Comhraidhe (descendant of Comhraidhe) or corradh, meaning “spear” (2). This gives the name a hidden martial history, contrasting its soft sound.
The Norse Connection
In Old Norse, the name Kori appears in historical texts. Its meaning is debated by etymologists, though many link it to the word kárr, meaning “curly-haired” or, more abstractly, “obstinate” or “wild.”
The Greek Connection
On the feminine side, Cory is often a diminutive of Cora or Corinne. These trace back to the Greek Kórē, an epithet for the goddess Persephone, literally translating to “the maiden.”
How Popular is the Name Cory?
Cory is a name that defines a generation. It was a breakout star of the late 20th century.
It first appeared on the US charts in the 1950s but began a meteoric rise in the 1970s. By the 1980s and early 1990s, Cory (and the spelling Corey) was a top-tier choice for parents, fueled by pop culture icons like “The Two Coreys” (Haim and Feldman).
In the current era, Cory has transitioned from a trendy hit to a recognizable classic. It has cooled off significantly since its peak (3). It currently sits outside the top 500 for boys, making it a “rare familiar” choice, a name everyone recognizes but few babies in the playground will actually have.
How Do I Pronounce Cory?
The name is pronounced phonetically as KOHR-ee. It rhymes with “story,” “glory,” and “lorry.”
Is Cory a Boy or Girl Name?
Cory is technically unisex, though usage heavily favors boys.
- For Boys: The spellings Cory and Corey remain firmly in the male camp in modern usage.
- For Girls: While Cory was used for girls in the 70s and 80s, parents today usually opt for distinct feminine variations like Cori, Kori, or Corinne to distinguish gender.
Variations of Cory
Because Cory has traveled through different languages, there are many ways to spell it to suit your aesthetic preference.
- Corey (English/Irish common variant)
- Cori (feminine)
- Kori (Japanese/Americanized)
- Korey (Modern American)
- Corie (French influence)
- Corinne (French)
- Corinna (Greek/Latin)
- Curry (Irish surname variant)
- Korry (Modern Creative)
Nicknames for Cory
Cory is short and punchy, so it doesn’t strictly need a nickname, but affectionate diminutives are always fun.
- Cor: The most natural, casual shortening.
- Coco: A playful option, usually for girls or young boys.
- C-Bear: A cute, cuddly pet name.
- Rey: Using the second syllable for a cool, modern twist.
- Ory: Dropping the first letter for a unique sound.
- Cork: A snappy, upbeat option.
- C-Money: A fun, retro-cool nickname.
Names Similar to Cory
If you like the sound of Cory but want something with a slightly different flavor, consider these alternatives:
- Cody: Shares the hard ‘C’ and ‘y’ ending; very popular in the same era as Cory.
- Rory: An Irish classic meaning “red king,” it rhymes with Cory but feels slightly more traditional.
- Casey: Another unisex Irish favorite that feels friendly and approachable.
- Brody: Shares the surname-as-first-name trend with a rugged edge.
- Toby: Soft, vowel-heavy, and vintage.
- Riley: A massive hit for both boys and girls, similar to how Cory was used in the past.
- Jesse: A soft-sounding classic that never goes out of style.
- Jordan: A quintessential 90s unisex name that pairs well with Cory.
Middle Names for Cory
Since Cory is a short, two-syllable name, it pairs well with a variety of middle names.
Traditional & Classic
These names ground Cory, giving it a timeless, sophisticated feel.
Modern & Cool
These pairings lean into the sporty, energetic vibe of the name.
- Cory Jett
- Cory Hayes
- Cory Jax
- Cory Zane
- Cory Flynn
Soft & Nature-Inspired
To highlight the “hollow/nature” meaning of Cory.
- Cory Brooks
- Cory Reed
- Cory Forest
- Cory Glenn
- Cory River
Sibling Names for Cory
Building a sibset around Cory usually means looking for names that were favorites in the late 20th century or possess that friendly Irish-American charm.
For a Brother
- Ryan: The perfect Irish counterpart to Cory.
- Kyle: Shares the one-syllable punch and 90s popularity.
- Tyler: A surname-name that fits the same stylistic era.
- Shawn: Soft, classic, and unmistakably Irish.
- Dustin: Rugged and familiar.
- Justin: A top-tier pairing for Cory.
For a Sister
- Jenna: Friendly, approachable, and sweet.
- Megan: A Welsh classic that sounds perfect with Cory.
- Kelly: Another Irish surname-name that bridges the gender gap.
- Erin: Literally meaning “Ireland,” this is a thematic match.
- Lindsey: Shares the “ee” ending sound without being too matchy.
- Amber: A warm, golden name that complements Cory well.
Famous People Named Cory
The name Cory is well-represented in Hollywood, sports, and literature.
- Corey Feldman: An iconic American actor known for 80s classics like The Goonies and Stand by Me.
- Cory Booker: A prominent American politician and U.S. Senator from New Jersey.
- Corey Taylor: The lead vocalist for the heavy metal bands Slipknot and Stone Sour.
- Cory Monteith: The late Canadian actor best known for his role as Finn Hudson on Glee.
- Cory Doctorow: A famous Canadian-British blogger, journalist, and science fiction author.
- Cory Hardrict: An American actor known for films like American Sniper.
Cory in Pop Culture
For many Millennials, the name Cory is synonymous with TGIF television.
- Cory Matthews: The beloved protagonist of the 90s sitcom Boy Meets World and its sequel Girl Meets World. He is arguably the most famous fictional Cory.
- Cory Baxter: The entrepreneurial character from That’s So Raven who later got his own spin-off, Cory in the House.
- Kory Anders (Starfire): In the DC Comics universe, the superhero Starfire uses the human alias Kory Anders.
- Richard Cory: The titular subject of the famous poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson, later adapted into a song by Simon & Garfunkel.
FAQs About the Name Cory
Here are answers to common questions about the history and usage of the name Cory.
Is It Cory or Corey?
Cory and Corey are not separate names. They are variant spellings of the same name, so either is correct. Historically, “Corey” has sometimes been slightly more popular for boys in the US, while “Cory” is often seen as the streamlined version.
Is Cory a British Name?
Cory is a name partially of Irish origin, but it is also used commonly in Britain. Though, as in the United States, its popularity has waned in the 2000s, it is still one of the most popular names for baby boys (4).
Is Cory a Biblical Name?
The name Cory does not appear in the Bible. However, it is occasionally confused with “Korah,” a biblical figure in the Book of Numbers, though the two names have completely different etymologies and meanings.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of Cory?
Because one of the Gaelic roots of Cory translates to “cauldron” or “hollow,” the spiritual meaning is often associated with containment, intuition, and depth. It represents a vessel for wisdom or a place of gathering, rather than just a surface-level label.
Can Cory Be a Nickname for a Longer Name?
Yes, while Cory usually stands alone, it can serve as a nickname for Cornelius, Corban, Cormac, or Corin for boys. For girls, it is frequently a nickname for Corinne, Cordelia, or Coraline.
Is Cory Considered an Irish Name?
Yes, Cory is widely considered an Anglicized Irish name. It derives from the Gaelic surname Ó Comhraidhe or the place-name word coire. While it has been fully integrated into American naming culture, its roots remain firmly Celtic.
Does the Name Cory Have a Nature Connection?
Absolutely. The definition “from the hollow” connects the name directly to the earth. A “coire” in Gaelic landscapes refers to a specific type of glacial valley or ravine, making Cory a subtle, rugged nature name for parents who want something earthy but not obvious like “River” or “Forest.”
What Era is the Name Cory Associated With?
Cory is strongly associated with the “Gen X” and “Millennial” generations. Its peak popularity occurred between the late 1970s and the late 1990s. Today, it has a retro, nostalgic feel rather than a trendy, modern one.
