"dark, black"
Origin: Irish (ciar)
Language: Irish
Carey
Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-ee ]
Does Carey flow with your last name?
A Celtic classic meaning 'dark stream', made famous by Hollywood
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Welsh
American
English
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"stony ford"
Origin: Welsh place name
Language: Welsh
"from the fortress"
Origin: Norman French
Language: French
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primarily perceived as feminine in modern usage
The Story of Carey
Carey comes from the Irish and Welsh surname O'Ciardha, derived from 'ciar' meaning dark or black, often used to describe someone with dark features or living near a dark stream. The name was common in County Cork and Mayo in Ireland, and in Wales it derives from a place name meaning 'stony ford'. It evolved from a surname to a given name in the late 19th century.
Carey peaked as a masculine name in the mid-20th century, largely inspired by the debonair actor Cary Grant (born Archibald Leach). The popularity of singer Mariah Carey helped keep the variant spelling 'Carey' alive, though it has shifted toward female usage since the 1980s.
In Irish culture, the O'Carey clan was historically based in County Cork. The name has a rich history in the Celtic world and was popularized in English-speaking countries through the fame of Cary Grant, one of Hollywood's greatest stars.
Historical Record
Carey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 12,842 babies have been named Carey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Carey is past its peak , currently ranked #5,332 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cary Grant, born Archibald Leach, chose this stage name and made it iconic in Hollywood's Golden Age
- Drew Carey, host of 'The Price Is Right', is among the most recognizable modern bearers of this name
Carey in Other Languages
Irish
Ó Ciardha
Welsh
Caeri
French
Carey
Spanish
Carey
Popularity Over Time
#5,332
Current Rank
Peaked 1957
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Carey
M
Mariah Carey
Musician
1969
Grammy Award-winning American singer known for her extraordinary vocal range
D
Drew Carey
Entertainer
1958
American comedian, actor, and game show host known for 'The Drew Carey Show' and 'The Price Is Right'
C
Cary Grant
Actor
1904
Legendary Hollywood actor, considered one of the greatest film stars in cinema history
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Compare Carey with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,332
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Welsh American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Care
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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American 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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Carey
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Carey is also used as a girl name, ranked #71568.
View Carey as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carey
What does the name Carey mean?
"dark, black" (from Irish (ciar)). "stony ford" (from Welsh place name). "from the fortress" (from Norman French). Carey comes from the Irish and Welsh surname O'Ciardha, derived from 'ciar' meaning dark or black, often used to describe someone with dark features or living near a dark stream. The name was common in County Cork and Mayo in Ireland, and in Wales it derives from a place name meaning 'stony ford'. It evolved from a surname to a given name in the late 19th century.
What is the origin of the name Carey?
Carey has Irish (ciar), Welsh place name, Norman French, Irish, Welsh, American, and English origins. In Irish (ciar), it means "dark, black". In Welsh place name, it means "stony ford". In Norman French, it means "from the fortress".
Is Carey a boy or girl name?
Carey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5332. As a girl name, it is ranked #71568. Carey is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Carey?
Carey is pronounced k-EHR-ee.
How popular is the name Carey?
Carey is currently ranked #5332 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Carey?
Common nicknames for Carey include Care.
What are good middle names for Carey?
Popular middle name pairings include Carey James, Carey Thomas, Carey Michael, Carey John, Carey Patrick, and Carey Grant.
What are good sibling names for Carey?
Names that pair well with Carey as siblings include Brennan, Cillian, Fiona, Siobhan, Quinn, and Reagan.
How many syllables does Carey have?
Carey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Carey a common or rare name?
Carey is an uncommon name, ranked #5332 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Carey
Carey is a boy name with Irish, Welsh, American, and English origins . The name means "dark, black" in Irish (ciar) .
Is Carey a boy or girl name? Carey is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,332 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #71,568. Carey is more commonly used as a boy name.
Carey is currently ranked #5,332 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Carey has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Carey include Care. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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