Cary

Irish

"dark, black"

Cary Origin and Meaning

The name Cary is a girl's name.

Cary originated as an English surname derived from various place names, which themselves came from Celtic elements meaning "beloved" or "from the river." As a feminine given name, Cary gained modest popularity in America during the mid-20th century, though it has always been used for both genders. The feminine usage was influenced by variations of Caroline or Katherine. The name carries associations with actor Cary Grant, which bolstered its masculine usage, while its soft sound made it appealing as a feminine choice. Cary peaked for girls in the 1960s but has since declined. With its brief, melodic quality and unisex versatility, Cary represents a simple yet distinctive naming option with deep historical roots.

Cary Rank in US Top 1000

# 871 in the US

The name Cary in Pop Culture

• Cary from "Strike it Rich"