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Korey

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAWR-ee /ˈkɔɹ.i/Medium

Meaning: from the hollowMedium

In 30 seconds: Korey is a K-spelling of Corey, an Irish and Gaelic name meaning 'from the hollow.'

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Origin MediumIrish Gaelic

Meaningfrom the hollow

U.S. rank (2025)#2736 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births47 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1990

Total births (all-time)≈ 11,440

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

Korey is a respelling of Corey, an Irish-Gaelic name read as 'from the hollow' — a reference to a dip or low place in the land. Switching the opening C to K is a modern stylistic choice that leaves the sound unchanged. The geographic meaning of the hollow stays at its core.

It travels with a small set of near-twins — Corey, Cory, and Kory — that differ only in their first letter and vowel count. The K- form gives it a slightly more contemporary look than the older Corey.

Did you know? Korey is a spelling variant of Corey, from Irish/Gaelic coire ('cauldron, hollow'), so it keeps the meaning from the hollow.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name - Korey — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSVEtymology — Korey — meaning/etymology

Variations

CoreyCoryKory

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Korey Stringer (1974-2001)
American NFL offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings
★Korey Wise (1972-)
American known as one of the exonerated Central Park Five

If you like Korey…

Corey— the standard Irish-Gaelic spelling Korey restyles, same 'from the hollow' meaning

Cory— a listed variation, a shorter spelling of the same name

Kory— a listed variation matching the K- styling of Korey

Rory— another Irish boys' name with the same -ory ending and sound

Explore names like Korey

By themeenglish

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Korey mean?

Korey is a respelling of Corey meaning 'from the hollow,' from Irish/Gaelic coire ('cauldron, hollow').

How do you pronounce Korey?

It's commonly said KAWR-ee /ˈkɔɹ.i/.

Is Korey a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Korey is used as a boy name.

How popular is Korey?

In 2024, Korey ranked #2644 in the U.S. for boys, with 50 births recorded.