Find out how popular the first name Tory has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tory by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tory is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 63% of people named Tory being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 27 male babies and 14 female babies born with the name Tory.

The history of the first name Tory

The name Tory has its origins in the Irish language, where it was originally spelled as Toirdhealbhach. This ancient Gaelic name can be traced back to the 10th century CE and is derived from the words "toirdhealb" meaning "pursue" and "ach" meaning "having the quality of." Together, these words combine to form the meaning "pursuing the way of life of a fighter or mercenary."

The name Tory first appeared in historical records during the Early Middle Ages, particularly in the Irish annals detailing the activities of various clans and kingdoms across the island. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Toirdhealbhach Ua Briain, who reigned as the King of Munster from 1009 to 1014 CE.

As the name spread throughout Ireland and Scotland, it underwent various spelling changes, eventually evolving into the modern form of Tory. In the 16th and 17th centuries, during the religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland, the term "Tory" became associated with an Irish Catholic outlaw who supported the cause of the deposed Catholic King James II.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Tory was Tory Island, an isolated island off the northwest coast of Ireland. This island has been inhabited since the Iron Age and played a significant role in Irish folklore and mythology.

In the realm of literature, the name Tory appears in several ancient Irish texts, including the "Annals of Ulster" and the "Annals of the Four Masters," which chronicle the lives and deeds of various Irish kings and chieftains.

Throughout history, there have been several prominent individuals who bore the name Tory or its variations. One such person was Toirdhealbhach Ó Conchobhair (1088-1156), an Irish king who ruled over Connacht and parts of Ulster. Another notable figure was Toirdhealbhach Ó Briain (1009-1086), a High King of Ireland who led successful military campaigns against Viking invaders.

In more recent times, Tory has been used as a given name, albeit less frequently than in the past. One example is Tory Mussett (born 1983), an English singer-songwriter and musician. Additionally, Tory Belleci (born 1970) is an American television personality and filmmaker known for his work on the show "MythBusters."

Overall, the name Tory has a rich historical background deeply rooted in Irish culture and language, with connections to ancient kings, clans, and mythological tales. Its evolution over the centuries has witnessed various spelling changes and associations, reflecting the complex tapestry of Ireland's past.

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 Tory was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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