Meaning: Its source is car, a Gaelic name meaning "LOve."

Popularity: The name Carey ranked 598th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name appears on the 1990 U.S. Census lists, it is used by only a small percentage of the general population.

Narrative: There are various theories on the origin of this surname, including the Gaelic derivation given here. Others include the Welsh phrase caer rhiw, meaning ''hill fort,'' another Gaelic source, ciar, meaning ''dark-complected,'' and the Latin term carriarus, a term that evolved into an occupational surname for those who moved goods from place to place.

It is also possible that this name evolved as a nickname of Carl or Carrol.

Meaning: Its source is car, a Gaelic name meaning "LOve."

Popularity: The name Carey ranked 915th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: This name might have originated as a nickname of Carol and Caroline, but it is also likely bestowed upon girl babies with one or more of the sound-alike surnames in mind.

There are various theories on the origins of those surnames, including the Gaelic derivation given here. Others include the Welsh phrase caer rhiw, meaning ''hill fort,'' another Gaelic source, ciar, meaning ''dark-complected,'' and the Latin carriarus, a term which evolved into an occupational surname for those who moved goods from place to place.