Kory

Kory is a variant of the name Corey, which itself originated as an English surname. That surname derives from the Old Norse personal name Kóri, but the meaning of Kóri remains unknown. As a given name, Corey gained popularity in the 1960s largely due to the character Corey Baker on the American television series Julia. The variant Kory follows the pattern of respelling established names with a K to create a distinctive spelling, which became common in the mid-20th century.

Etymology and Meanings

Multiple etymological origins have been proposed for the name Kory. While most modern references link it through Corey to the Norse Kóri, some sources suggest a Greek origin as a masculine form of Cora, which itself is an epithet for the goddess Persephone. Another possibility traces it to the Gaelic word coire, meaning "cauldron" or "hollow." These secondary derivations, however, are speculative and not as historically attested as the connection to the Old Norse name.

Usage and Variants

Kory is considered a unisex name, though it was historically given more frequently to boys. Among related masculine forms are Corey, Cory, and Korey. Feminine variants and diminutives, such as Cori, Corie, Corrie, and Kori, are treated separately; they share the same phonetic base but are not strictly derived from Kory itself.

Notable Bearers

Prominent individuals with the name Kory span various fields. In American football, Kory Lichtensteiger, Kory Minor, and Kory Sheets were professional players. Ice hockey has seen Kory Falite, Kory Karlander, and Kory Kocur. Canadian athlete Kory Scoran also played professional ice hockey. Kory Tarpenning represented the United States in pole vaulting at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. The U.S. politician Kory Kath served in the Minnesota Legislature. Environmental activist Kory Johnson fought for clean water issues in the 1990s. In soccer, Kory Roberts played for English clubs including Walsall.

Cultural Significance

The name Kory remains popular but somewhat less common than Corey. It exemplifies the trend in the 1960s and 1970s of adapting surnames and creating spelling variations—often with a letter K—to make traditional names feel modern or unique. It has also maintained sporadic usage in Canada and Australia, alongside the United States.

• Meaning: Variant of Corey, ultimately from Old Norse Kóri (meaning unknown)
• Origin: English, with Norse roots
• Type: Given name (unisex, but predominantly male)
• Regions: United States, Canada, United Kingdom