"pleasant stream"
Origin: Celtic
Language: English
Cary
Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-ee ]
Does Cary flow with your last name?
A sleek mid-century name with Hollywood style
English
American
Welsh
Classic
Vintage
Minimalist
Gentle
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"fort, castle"
Origin: Welsh
Language: Welsh
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The Story of Cary
Cary derives from a Celtic place name meaning 'pleasant stream' or from the Welsh word 'caer' meaning 'fort' or 'castle.' It began as a surname, most famously associated with the town of Cary in Somerset, England. As a given name it rose to prominence in America largely through the influence of Hollywood star Cary Grant, born Archibald Leach, who adopted the name in honor of the city of Cary, North Carolina.
Cary peaked in the United States in the 1950s–1960s, riding the wave of Cary Grant's immense Hollywood popularity. As that cultural touchstone faded from the mainstream, the name declined steadily. Today it's considered a mid-century classic.
Cary carries the effortless sophistication associated with Cary Grant, arguably the most stylish actor in Hollywood history. His persona — charming, witty, impeccably dressed — gives the name a timeless suave quality.
Historical Record
Cary first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 19,681 babies have been named Cary in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cary is past its peak , currently ranked #3,642 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cary Grant was born Archibald Alexander Leach and chose his stage name from a character list
- Cary, North Carolina was named after Samuel Fenton Cary, a temperance advocate
- The name appears on both male and female birth certificates in roughly equal proportions
Cary in Other Languages
Irish
Carey
Welsh
Caradog
French
Gary
German
Gary
English
Cary/Carey
Popularity Over Time
#3,642
Current Rank
Peaked 1966
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cary
C
Cary Elwes
Actor
1962
British actor famous for The Princess Bride and Saw
C
Cary Grant
Actor
1904
British-American Hollywood icon considered the epitome of masculine elegance in classic films like North by Northwest an...
British-American Hollywood icon considered the epitome of masculine elegance in classic films like North by Northwest and Bringing Up Baby
C
Cary Agos Fictional
Other
Recurring character on The Good Wife, a young ambitious attorney at Lockhart Gardner
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,642
- Total SSA Count
- 31
- Cultural Origins
- English American Welsh
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cary
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cary is also used as a girl name, ranked #71321.
View Cary as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cary
What does the name Cary mean?
"pleasant stream" (from Celtic). "fort, castle" (from Welsh). Cary derives from a Celtic place name meaning 'pleasant stream' or from the Welsh word 'caer' meaning 'fort' or 'castle.' It began as a surname, most famously associated with the town of Cary in Somerset, England. As a given name it rose to prominence in America largely through the influence of Hollywood star Cary Grant, born Archibald Leach, who adopted the name in honor of the city of Cary, North Carolina.
What is the origin of the name Cary?
Cary has Celtic, Welsh, English, and American origins. In Celtic, it means "pleasant stream". In Welsh, it means "fort, castle".
Is Cary a boy or girl name?
Cary is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3642. As a girl name, it is ranked #71321. Cary is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cary?
Cary is pronounced k-EHR-ee.
How popular is the name Cary?
Cary is currently ranked #3642 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Cary?
Popular middle name pairings include Cary James, Cary Michael, Cary Thomas, Cary William, Cary Robert, Cary Allen, and Cary Grant.
What are good sibling names for Cary?
Names that pair well with Cary as siblings include Gary, Barry, Terry, Larry, Mary, Carol, and Sharon.
How many syllables does Cary have?
Cary has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cary a common or rare name?
Cary is an uncommon name, ranked #3642 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Cary?
About the Name Cary
Cary is a boy name with English, American, and Welsh origins . The name means "pleasant stream" in Celtic .
Is Cary a boy or girl name? Cary is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,642 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,321. Cary is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cary is currently ranked #3,642 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cary has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Cary include Carter, Carson, Carlos, Carmelo, Carlo . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis