"hollow, seething pool"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Kory
Pronunciation: [ k-AWR-ee ]
Does Kory flow with your last name?
A classic with deep Irish roots and 80s cool
American
Irish
English
Classic
Friendly
Playful
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"maiden"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Kory
Kory is a phonetic variant of Corey or Cory, which derives from the Irish Gaelic word 'coire,' meaning a hollow, cauldron, or seething pool — often referring to a kettle-shaped valley or whirlpool. It was also connected to the Greek 'Kore,' meaning maiden. The name became widely popular in English-speaking countries through the 20th century.
Corey/Cory peaked in the United States during the 1970s-1990s, largely due to Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, the beloved teen stars of 1980s cinema known as 'The Two Coreys.' The 'Kory' spelling emerged as a less common but distinctive variant.
In Irish tradition, the hollow or cauldron shape referenced by this name was considered a mystical, transformative place — associated with the Otherworld and magical change. The name carries subtle connotations of depth and hidden power.
Historical Record
Kory first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 14,350 babies have been named Kory in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kory is past its peak , currently ranked #2,981 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- 'The Two Coreys' — Corey Haim and Corey Feldman — were the defining teen idols of 1980s Hollywood
- The name shares its Irish root with the word 'corrie,' still used in Scottish geography for a glacial valley
Kory in Other Languages
Greek
Κόρη (Kore)
Irish
Coire
Spanish
Cory
Popularity Over Time
#2,981
Current Rank
Peaked 1988
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kory
C
Corey Taylor
Musician
1973
Lead vocalist of Slipknot and Stone Sour, one of rock music's most distinctive voices
C
Corey Haim
Actor
1971
Canadian-American teen idol and actor of the 1980s, known for The Lost Boys and License to Drive
C
Corey Feldman
Actor
1971
American actor who starred in Stand By Me, The Goonies, and numerous 1980s films
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Compare Kory with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,981
- Total SSA Count
- 42
- Cultural Origins
- American Irish English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kory
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kory is also used as a girl name, ranked #10136.
View Kory as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kory
What does the name Kory mean?
"hollow, seething pool" (from Irish Gaelic). "maiden" (from Greek). Kory is a phonetic variant of Corey or Cory, which derives from the Irish Gaelic word 'coire,' meaning a hollow, cauldron, or seething pool — often referring to a kettle-shaped valley or whirlpool. It was also connected to the Greek 'Kore,' meaning maiden. The name became widely popular in English-speaking countries through the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Kory?
Kory has Irish Gaelic, Greek, American, Irish, and English origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "hollow, seething pool". In Greek, it means "maiden".
Is Kory a boy or girl name?
Kory is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2981. As a girl name, it is ranked #10136. Kory is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kory?
Kory is pronounced k-AWR-ee.
How popular is the name Kory?
Kory is currently ranked #2981 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Kory?
Popular middle name pairings include Kory James, Kory Lee, Kory Allen, Kory Michael, Kory Alan, and Kory Dean.
What are good sibling names for Kory?
Names that pair well with Kory as siblings include Tyler, Kyle, Kayla, Kelsey, Jordan, and Casey.
How many syllables does Kory have?
Kory has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kory a common or rare name?
Kory is an uncommon name, ranked #2981 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kory?
About the Name Kory
Kory is a boy name with American, Irish, and English origins . The name means "hollow, seething pool" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Kory a boy or girl name? Kory is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,981 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #10,136. Kory is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kory is currently ranked #2,981 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kory has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AWR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Kory include Korbin, Korbyn, Korey, Korben, Kori . 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