"chariot boy"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: Irish
Cormac
Pronunciation: [ k-AWRM-uhk ]
Does Cormac flow with your last name?
Ancient Irish king, modern literary titan
Irish
Scottish
American
Strong
Literary
Bold
Earthy
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Cormac
Cormac is one of Irelands most ancient names, composed of the Old Irish elements corb (chariot) and mac (son), meaning son of the charioteer. In Irish mythology, Cormac mac Airt was the High King of Ireland during the 3rd century, legendary for his wisdom and justice. He was said to have possessed a golden goblet that shattered whenever three lies were spoken and mended when three truths were told — a symbol of sacred truth.
Cormac has long been used in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, and gained international literary cachet from Cormac McCarthy — the Nobel Prize-winning author of The Road, No Country for Old Men, and Blood Meridian. His work gave the name a rugged, literary intensity that has driven its international rise.
In Irish mythology, Cormac mac Airt is the wise king par excellence — his reign is the Irish equivalent of Arthurs golden age. The name carries deep Celtic heritage and the heroic ideals of wisdom, justice, and otherworldly connection.
Historical Record
Cormac first appeared in US Social Security records in 1956.
Over 3,549 babies have been named Cormac in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cormac is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,259 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cormac mac Airt is one of Irelands most legendary High Kings
- Cormac McCarthy won the Pulitzer Prize for The Road in 2007
- The name Cormac has been borne by several early Irish saints and bishops
Cormac in Other Languages
Irish
Cormac
Latin
Corbmacus
English
Cormac
Scottish Gaelic
Cormag
Popularity Over Time
#1,259
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cormac
C
Cormac McCarthy
Writer
1933
American novelist known for Blood Meridian, No Country for Old Men, and The Road, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Litera...
American novelist known for Blood Meridian, No Country for Old Men, and The Road, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature
C
Cormac mac Airt
Royalty
Legendary High King of Ireland in the 3rd century, celebrated for wisdom and justice in Irish mythology
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Compare Cormac with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,259
- Total SSA Count
- 157
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Cor
Mac
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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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 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cormac
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cormac
What does the name Cormac mean?
"chariot boy" (from Old Irish). Cormac is one of Irelands most ancient names, composed of the Old Irish elements corb (chariot) and mac (son), meaning son of the charioteer. In Irish mythology, Cormac mac Airt was the High King of Ireland during the 3rd century, legendary for his wisdom and justice. He was said to have possessed a golden goblet that shattered whenever three lies were spoken and mended when three truths were told — a symbol of sacred truth.
What is the origin of the name Cormac?
Cormac has Old Irish, Irish, Scottish, and American origins. In Old Irish, it means "chariot boy".
Is Cormac a boy or girl name?
Cormac is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cormac?
Cormac is pronounced k-AWRM-uhk.
How popular is the name Cormac?
Cormac is currently ranked #1259 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cormac?
Common nicknames for Cormac include Cor and Mac.
What are good middle names for Cormac?
Popular middle name pairings include Cormac James, Cormac Patrick, Cormac Finn, Cormac Liam, Cormac Sean, Cormac Hugh, and Cormac Declan.
What are good sibling names for Cormac?
Names that pair well with Cormac as siblings include Finn, Declan, Siobhan, Roisin, Eoghan, Ciara, and Tiernan.
How many syllables does Cormac have?
Cormac has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cormac a common or rare name?
Cormac is an uncommon name, ranked #1259 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Cormac
Cormac is a boy name with Irish, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "chariot boy" in Old Irish .
Cormac is currently ranked #1,259 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cormac has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AWRM-uhk, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cormac include Cor and Mac. 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