Carey

Meaning & origin

Carey is a name that has transitioned from an Irish surname to a unisex given name with a steady, if modest, presence in American naming. It first appeared on the U.S. charts in 1880, and its peak popularity came in 1957, during the mid-20th century when many surnames were adopted as first names. After declining for decades, the name has been rising again since 2021. Today, it is relatively rare, with an estimated 1 in 131,390 babies receiving the name in 2025. While it has never been among the top names in any state, its gentle sound and familial ties make it a distinctive choice. The name has seen a revival in recent years, aligning with a broader trend for short, two-syllable names with Irish roots.

Carey originated as an Irish surname, the anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Ciardha, meaning 'descendant of Ciardha', a personal name derived from ciar 'dark, black'. It was first recorded as a given name in the United States in the late 19th century, occasionally used for both boys and girls. The name gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1957, and has seen a resurgence since 2021.