Find out how popular the first name Corky has been for the last 18 years (from 1974 to 1991) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Corky by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Corky is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1991, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Corky.

The history of the first name Corky

The name Corky has its roots in the English language, originating as a diminutive or nickname for the given name Cornelius. The name Cornelius itself derives from the Roman nomen Cornelius, which is believed to have derived from the Latin word "cornu" meaning "horn."

Corky emerged as a popular nickname for Cornelius in the 16th century. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Corky can be found in the writings of English playwright William Shakespeare, where he uses the name in his play "The Tempest," written around 1610-1611.

In the 17th century, Corky appeared in historical records as a given name in its own right. One notable bearer of the name was Corky Boyfield, an English soldier and writer who lived from 1635 to 1710. Boyfield served in the English Civil War and later wrote a memoir detailing his experiences.

During the 18th century, the name Corky gained some popularity, particularly in the United States. One prominent American figure with the name was Corky Calhoun, a soldier and politician from South Carolina who lived from 1772 to 1850. Calhoun served in the American Revolutionary War and later became a member of the United States House of Representatives.

In the 19th century, the name Corky appeared in various literary works, including the novel "The Luck of Roaring Camp" by American author Bret Harte, published in 1868. The novel features a character named Corky, further solidifying the name's place in popular culture.

Another notable bearer of the name Corky was Corky Randall, an American Major League Baseball player who played from 1912 to 1924. Randall was a pitcher for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals.

As the 20th century progressed, the name Corky continued to be used, though its popularity waned somewhat. One well-known figure with the name was Corky Thatcher, an American film and television actor who lived from 1904 to 1984. Thatcher appeared in numerous movies and TV shows throughout his career, including the popular sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Corky was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Corky, please contact us.

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