Cody

boyIrish

Cody is an boy name of Irish origin, meaning “Helpful (from an Irish surname)”.

MeaningHelpful (from an Irish surname)
GenderBoy
OriginIrish
PronunciationKOH-dee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Canada, Australia

Meaning and origin of Cody

Cody comes from an Irish surname, an anglicised form of Ó Cuidighthigh, 'descendant of the helpful one', and also from Mac Óda, 'son of Odo'. Its use as a first name grew in the United States because of William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody, the frontier showman, and it became a popular boys' name in the 1980s and 1990s. It is sometimes used for girls.

Is Cody a religious name?

Cody has no religious background; it is a secular name drawn from an Irish surname.

How popular is Cody?

Very popular in the 1990s in North America and Australia, less so today.

Gifts with the name Cody

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Spellings and variants of Cody

CodeyKodyCodie

Names similar to Cody

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Cody mean?

Cody means 'Helpful (from an Irish surname)'. It is of Irish origin.

Does Cody have a religious meaning?

Cody has no religious background; it is a secular name drawn from an Irish surname.

How do you pronounce Cody?

Cody is pronounced KOH-dee.

Is Cody a boy or girl name?

Cody is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.