Cary – Name Meaning
The name Cary is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word “carier”, which means “to carry”. It is also a variant of the Irish name Carey, which has its roots in the Gaelic word “ciar”, meaning “dark” or “black”. The name Cary is most commonly used as a masculine given name, but it can also be used as a surname.
History and Origin
The name Cary has been around since at least the 12th century when it was first recorded in England. It was popularized by Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer and courtier who lived during the 16th century. He was known for his daring exploits and his association with Queen Elizabeth I. The name became even more popular after the publication of his book The History of the World in 1614.
In Ireland, the name Cary is derived from the Gaelic word “ciar”, meaning “dark” or “black”. This could refer to someone with dark hair or eyes, or simply someone who had a dark complexion. The name was also used as a nickname for people who were considered to be strong and brave.
Popularity
The name Cary has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few decades. In 2020, it ranked #845 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. It is especially popular among parents looking for unique names that are not overly common.
Famous People Named Cary
There are many famous people who have borne the name Cary throughout history. These include:
- Cary Grant (1904-1986), an American actor best known for his roles in classic films such as North by Northwest and Charade.
- Cary Elwes (born 1962), an English actor best known for his role as Westley in The Princess Bride.
- Cary Fukunaga (born 1977), an American film director best known for directing True Detective and Beasts of No Nation.
- Cary Joji Fukunaga (born 1977), an American screenwriter best known for writing Sin Nombre and Jane Eyre.