Corey
/ˈkɔɹ.i/
Corey is an anglicisation of the Irish surname Corra or the Old Norse Kori, meaning “homesick” or “from the hollow.” Some etymologists also link it to the Irish cor meaning “cauldron” or “horb.”
As a given name, Corey gained traction in the mid-20th century in the United States, partly through the popularity of Irish-origin surnames as given names among American families of various backgrounds.
Corey peaked at No. 52 in 1977 with 6,040 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 678 with 402 births, well below its late-1970s high.
What the name Corey means
Actors Corey Feldman and Corey Haim—“The Two Coreys”—defined the name for the 1980s generation. Rapper Corey Miller (C-Murder) and wrestler Corey Graves extend its reach.
Two syllables—KOR-ee—sound approachable and informal. The -ee close gives it the same friendly energy as Rory, Cory, and Tory.
The name belongs to the Generation X cohort: parents named Corey in the 1970s are now in their late 40s. The name carries a distinctly retro flavor for current parents.
Spelling variants include Cory (more common in earlier decades) and Kory. Corey with an e has been the dominant American spelling since the 1970s.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Corey
Corey - similar names
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