Corey
/KOR-ee/
Corey is an Irish, Gaelic baby name pronounced /KOR-ee/. The name traditionally refers to a hollow or a dweller in a ravine.
Meaning of Corey
The name traditionally refers to a hollow or a dweller in a ravine.
It is derived from the Irish surname 'Ó Corra,' meaning descendant of Corra, or from the Old Norse word 'kori,' which relates to a dweller in a hollow or pool. In some contexts, it is linked to the Gaelic word 'coire,' meaning a cauldron or a boiling pool, often used to describe geographical features like circular valleys. The name transitioned from a surname to a popular given name in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
- Origin
- Irish, Gaelic
- Pronunciation
- /KOR-ee/
Cultural background
While historically more common for boys, it is used as a unisex name in North America, often appearing in English-speaking regions like Australia and the United Kingdom.
Variations & nicknames
- Cory
- Kori
- Korey
- Corrie
- Corry
Famous people named Corey
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Corey Taylor
Lead vocalist for the bands Slipknot and Stone Sour
Music · Modern
Corey Feldman
American actor known for 80s films like The Goonies
Film · Modern
Corey Haim
Canadian actor and teen idol of the 1980s
Film · Modern
Corey Seager
Major League Baseball shortstop and World Series MVP
Sport · Modern
Corey Booker
United States Senator from New Jersey
Politics · Modern
Frequently asked about Corey
- Is Corey a boy or girl name?
- Corey is considered a unisex name, though it is statistically more frequent for males in many countries.
- What is the Irish origin of Corey?
- It originates from the Gaelic 'coire,' describing a hollow or a ravine, and was originally used as a surname.
- What are common ways to spell Corey?
- The most common spellings are Corey and Cory, while Kory or Kori are less frequent variations.
Love Corey? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Irish, Gaelic names each week — free, no spam.