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Carey

Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-ee ]

Boy Name #5,332 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Celtic classic meaning 'dark stream', made famous by Hollywood

Irish Welsh American English
Vintage Classic Gentle Traditional Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"dark, black"
Origin: Irish (ciar)
Language: Irish
"stony ford"
Origin: Welsh place name
Language: Welsh
"from the fortress"
Origin: Norman French
Language: French

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.

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

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

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

Sibling Names

Brennan Cillian Fiona Siobhan Quinn Reagan

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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

Carrie Cassie Corrie Cherry Harry Perry Cary Larry

Compare Carey with...

Carey vs Carrie Carey vs Cassie Carey vs Corrie Carey vs Cherry

Same Origin Names (Irish)

Liam #1 Olivia #1 Noah #2 Emma #2 Oliver #3 Amelia #3 Theodore #4 Charlotte #4

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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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