Cory in Chinese
Origin: Irish
Meaning: hollow; ravine
The standard Chinese transliteration of Cory, pronounced Kē Lǐ. The characters are chosen for sound: 科 (kē, "science; branch of study"), 里 (lǐ, "village; mile (phonetic 'ri/li')"). Native speakers will immediately recognize it as the name Cory.
Character Breakdown
Note: Reads as the name "Cory" to native speakers; the characters are chosen for sound, so don't expect a poetic meaning. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
A Chinese-style given name inspired by the meaning of Cory ("hollow; ravine"), expressing land, hills and home: 岳 (yuè, "high mountain") + 峰 (fēng, "summit, peak").
Character Breakdown
Note: A meaning-based Chinese given name; it will not sound like your English name, so pair it with an explanation if that matters to you. Traditional form 岳峯 differs from simplified 岳峰; pick one script and keep it consistent. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
Opens with 科 (kē, "science; branch of study"), which echoes the first sound of Cory (Kē), and adds 安 (ān, "peace, safety") for land, hills and home. It reads like a natural Chinese given name with a nod to your English one.
Character Breakdown
Note: Looks and sounds like a genuine Chinese given name while still echoing your name; a popular choice for tattoos. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write Cory in Chinese?
The most common way is 科里 (traditional: 科里), pronounced Kē Lǐ. This is the standard phonetic transliteration you would see in Chinese media and translations.
What does 科里 mean?
科里 is a sound-based transliteration, so as a whole it simply means "Cory". Individually: 科 (kē) = science; branch of study; 里 (lǐ) = village; mile (phonetic 'ri/li'). If you want real meaning, try 岳峰 (Yuè Fēng), inspired by the meaning of Cory: "hollow; ravine".
Which Chinese name for Cory is best for a tattoo?
Choose 科里 if you want people to recognize your name, 岳峰 if you prefer meaning over sound, or 科安 for a natural-sounding Chinese name that still echoes Cory. Whatever you pick, use a calligraphy font and ask a native speaker to check the final design.