Cary

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAIR-ee /ˈkɛr.i/High

Meaning: From an English place/river name (the Cary in Somerset) and an Irish surname; popularized by actor Cary GrantMedium

In 30 seconds: Old-Hollywood debonair: Cary is a river-and-surname name made forever suave by Cary Grant. Smooth, vintage, and effortlessly charming, with a 1930s leading-man glow.

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Origin MediumEnglish, Irish

MeaningFrom an English place/river name (the Cary in Somerset) and an Irish surname; popularized by actor Cary Grant

U.S. rank (2025)#3676 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 24,502

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cary comes from an English place- and river-name (the river Cary in Somerset) and an Irish surname (Ó Ciardha, linked to 'dark'). It became a debonair first name through actor Cary Grant (born Archibald Leach), the epitome of mid-century charm.

It registers thinly today, reading as vintage-suave. Rare, river-rooted, and charming.

Did you know? Cary Grant chose his screen name partly at random from a list — but made 'Cary' a byword for charm and elegance, the very picture of the debonair leading man.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Cary — etymology

Variations

CareyCarrieKarey

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Cary Grant (1904-1986)
British-American film actor
★Cary Elwes (1962-)
English actor known for The Princess Bride
★Cary Fukunaga (1977-)
American film director

If you like Cary…

Cody— a companion easygoing vintage name

Grant— an echo of Cary Grant

Gary— a sister mid-century name

Cory— lands in the same popularity range

Barry— shares the -ry ending

Explore names like Cary

By themeenglish surname-name irish vintage

By meaningSea / Water

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cary mean?

Cary comes from an English river-and-place name and an Irish surname; it's famous from actor Cary Grant.

How do you pronounce Cary?

It's said KAIR-ee /ˈkɛr.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Cary a boy or girl name?

Cary is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Cary?

Cary is a rare name for boys in the U.S.