Cary

Cary is a name that can function as both a surname and a given name, and it is also the name of several places, primarily in the United States. As a given name, Cary has been used for people of different genders and across generations, and as a surname it appears in English-speaking countries.

The etymology of Cary is varied. As a given name, it may derive from the English place name Cary in Somerset and Cornwall, or exist as a variant of Carey. It has also been used as a shortened form of other names in some cases. The spelling variant Carey is common, and the two forms are closely related in usage and history.

Places named Cary in the United States include Cary, North Carolina, a town near Raleigh known for its growth and mixed-use development, and Cary, Illinois, a village in McHenry County near the Chicago metropolitan area. There are additional smaller communities bearing the name in various states.

Notable people with the given name Cary include Cary Grant, the American actor born Archibald Leach, and other actors such as Cary Elwes, as well as filmmaker Cary Joji Fukunaga. The name also appears in literature, film, and other cultural contexts, reflecting its usage across regions and time periods.

In addition to people and places, Cary appears in the names of various institutions, clubs, and fictional works. The spelling variant Carey is common, and individuals seeking information may also explore Carey as a related name for broader historical and cultural contexts.