Carey
Carey is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Descendant of Ciardha (dark/dark-haired) or pleasant stream.
Origin and history
Carey is a traditional unisex name derived from an Irish surname meaning descendant of the dark one, or from an English place name. It was steadily used for boys in the United States throughout the 20th century, though its popularity has declined in recent decades. Today, it remains a classic, recognizable option with traditional roots.
Popularity in the United States
16,880 babies in the United States have been named Carey since 1880. It ranks #908 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1854.
States where it is most popular
- TX (9.9 %)
- GA (9.7 %)
- CA (7.9 %)
- LA (6.7 %)
- AL (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 144 |
| 1890-1900 | 151 |
| 1900-1910 | 157 |
| 1910-1920 | 520 |
| 1920-1930 | 705 |
| 1930-1940 | 787 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,559 |
| 1950-1960 | 3,649 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,289 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,766 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,604 |
| 1990-2000 | 887 |
| 2000-2010 | 351 |
| 2010-2019 | 238 |
| 2020-2029 | 73 |
Famous people named Carey
- Carey Price: Ice hockey player
- Carey Loftin: Stuntman, Actor
Fun facts
- Carey developed independently as an Irish surname from Ó Ciardha and as an English place name derived from the River Carey.
- Long before using surnames as first names became a modern trend, Carey was well established for American boys in the late 19th century.