Declining since 1987, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Torrey since 1938
Babies named Torrey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 | 41 |
| 1950s | 18 | 78 |
| 1960s | 88 | 274 |
| 1970s | 241 | 1,877 |
| 1980s | 233 | 1,098 |
| 1990s | 368 | 925 |
| 2000s | 184 | 399 |
| 2010s | 83 | 270 |
| 2020s | 63 | 99 |
Meaning & origin
Torrey entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1938, first recorded as a given name at a time when surname-style names were gaining traction. Its popularity reached its highest point in 1977, when it ranked significantly higher than its current position. Since 1987, however, usage has been steadily falling, and today only about 1 in 131,390 newborns receives the name Torrey. The name remains tied to its Scottish roots, evoking the rugged terrain of Aberdeenshire. As a unisex name, Torrey has been used for both boys and girls, though historical data shows a stronger association with boys. Despite its decline, Torrey retains a distinctive and understated appeal, often chosen by parents looking for an uncommon name with a clear geographic and surname heritage.
Torrey is a Scottish surname-turned-given name, likely derived from the place name Torry in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The place name itself comes from Gaelic 'torr' meaning 'craggy hill' or 'mound'. As a given name, it began appearing in the United States in the early 20th century, often as a variant of Tory or as a surname usage.
Where Torrey 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
Nicknames: Tor, Tory
Sibling names for Torrey
Names that share Torrey's style, for a brother or sister.
