Declining since 1986, #1,927 for girls today.
Popularity of Cori since 1947
Babies named Cori per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 5 | 0 |
| 1950s | 224 | 0 |
| 1960s | 905 | 14 |
| 1970s | 2,754 | 244 |
| 1980s | 2,968 | 329 |
| 1990s | 2,541 | 335 |
| 2000s | 1,102 | 150 |
| 2010s | 1,021 | 111 |
| 2020s | 678 | 50 |
Meaning & origin
Cori is a name that entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1947 and saw its highest usage in 1977, when it ranked highest among American girls. Since 1986, its popularity has steadily declined, and in 2025 it ranked 1927, with only about 1 in every 16,073 newborns receiving the name. The name was most common in Georgia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Despite its downturn, Cori remains a concise, modern-sounding choice, often considered a streamlined alternative to Corey or Kori. Its brevity and familiar sound give it a casual, approachable feel, fitting for parents seeking a name that is neither overly trendy nor dated.
Cori emerged as a given name in the mid-20th century, likely as a feminine variant of Corey or as a diminutive of Corinne. It gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s, peaking in 1977. The name is often considered a modern coinage with no ancient roots.
Where Cori is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls 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
Sibling names for Cori
Names that share Cori's style, for a brother or sister.
