name Uncommon

Carey

KEH-uh-ree

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Carey (name) means an English and Irish surname, and a unisex given name, often derived from Welsh place names or from the Irish surname Ó Ciardha. Example: “Mariah Carey is one of the best-known bearers of the surname.”

name

An English and Irish surname, and a unisex given name, often derived from Welsh place names or from the Irish surname Ó Ciardha.

"Mariah Carey is one of the best-known bearers of the surname."

How to use Carey

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA surname and given name with Welsh and Irish roots.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Careys

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Can you complete this real example?

Mariah _____ is one of the best-known bearers of the surname.

Etymology

As a German surname, it is an Americanised form of Gehrig or Gehring. As a Welsh surname, it is a variant of Carew. As an English surname, it comes from placenames derived from Proto-Brythonic *karɨd (“to love”). As an Irish surname, it comes from mac Fhiachra (“descendant of Fiachra”), from préachán (“crow”); alternatively, as an Irish surname, it comes from the root of the name Kerry.

Rhymes for Carey

key hey bey dey ley grey they joey whey obey prey abbey

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Carey” mean?

The word “Carey” means an English and Irish surname, and a unisex given name, often derived from Welsh place names or from the Irish surname Ó Ciardha. In plain terms, a surname and given name with Welsh and Irish roots.

How do you pronounce “Carey”?

“Carey” is pronounced KEH-uh-ree (/ˈkɛəɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “Carey” in a sentence?

Here is “Carey” used in a sentence: “Mariah Carey is one of the best-known bearers of the surname.”

What part of speech is “Carey”?

“Carey” is a name.

Is “Carey” a common word?

“Carey” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Is Carey a first name or a surname?

Carey is used as both. It functions as an English and Irish surname, and separately as a unisex given name.

What is the origin of the name Carey?

Carey often derives from Welsh place names when used as a surname, or from the Irish surname Ó Ciardha in other cases. As a given name, it can be used for both men and women.

Is Carey a masculine or feminine name?

Carey is a unisex given name, meaning it is given to both boys and girls, unlike names that are strictly gendered.