Declining since 1985, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Cary since 1880
Babies named Cary per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cary's real moment was 1966.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 | 127 |
| 1890s | 30 | 123 |
| 1900s | 46 | 135 |
| 1910s | 123 | 382 |
| 1920s | 142 | 551 |
| 1930s | 140 | 666 |
| 1940s | 267 | 2,807 |
| 1950s | 853 | 5,460 |
| 1960s | 1,053 | 7,047 |
| 1970s | 1,612 | 3,599 |
| 1980s | 642 | 1,783 |
| 1990s | 267 | 1,004 |
| 2000s | 87 | 360 |
| 2010s | 44 | 285 |
| 2020s | 5 | 175 |
Meaning & origin
Cary is a classic example of a surname-turned-given name that saw its greatest popularity in the mid-20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1880, but it wasn't until the 1960s that it reached its zenith, peaking as the 3658th most popular name in 1966. Since 1985, its use has declined, and in 2025 it was given to roughly 1 in 57,000 boys. Historically, Cary has been most common in New York, reflecting its English and Welsh roots. The name retains a distinguished, understated appeal, appealing to parents seeking a concise and traditional choice.
Cary originated as an English surname, likely from the Welsh river name Ceri or from various place names in England such as Cary in Somerset. The surname was sometimes used as a given name for boys, especially in the 20th century. It gained moderate popularity mid-century, peaking in the 1960s.
Where Cary is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Carey, Caryy
Sibling names for Cary
Names that share Cary's style, for a brother or sister.
