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 experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike from the late 1950s to the mid-1970s. Between 1955 and 1976 alone, the number of births named Corey increased dramatically, reaching a peak of 6040 in 1977. However, since then, its popularity has steadily declined, with only 426 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there have been 184,286 births with the name Corey from 1919 to 2023.