Declining since 1989, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Tory since 1947
Babies named Tory per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 13 | 21 |
| 1950s | 115 | 108 |
| 1960s | 307 | 514 |
| 1970s | 741 | 1,813 |
| 1980s | 698 | 1,789 |
| 1990s | 1,041 | 1,547 |
| 2000s | 552 | 661 |
| 2010s | 345 | 367 |
| 2020s | 114 | 170 |
Meaning & origin
Tory is a unisex given name with a dual heritage. As an Irish-derived nickname meaning 'pursuer' or 'outlaw', it carries a rugged quality, while in English it often serves as a short form of Victoria. First recorded in the United States in 1947, Tory reached its peak popularity in 1977, when it ranked highest among U.S. births. Since 1989, its usage has steadily declined, and as of 2025 it ranks 4,249th, with approximately 1 in 71,170 newborns receiving the name. The name has been especially used in the 1970s but has not seen a revival. While its top states are not recorded in available data, Tory remains a familiar, straightforward choice for parents seeking a short, unisex name that blends Irish and modern American naming traditions.
The name Tory may derive from the Irish Gaelic word 'tóraí' (pursuer, outlaw), which was historically used as a nickname. In English contexts, 'Tory' also refers to a political affiliation, but as a given name it likely originated as a short form of Victoria in the United States, especially in the mid-20th century. It has been used for both boys and girls since at least the 1940s.
Where Tory 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
Sibling names for Tory
Names that share Tory's style, for a brother or sister.
