🌟 CODY Day 2026 – May 25

🧔 National CODY Day ORIGIN & HISTORY

National CODY Day is celebrated on the 25th Day in May. This is a day to honor and appreciate everyone with the name “Cody” anywhere in the world.

GAELIC Origin and Meaning

The name Cody comes from Irish roots, mainly the Gaelic surname Ó Cuidighthigh, which means “descendant of Cuidightheach.” The given name Cuidightheach means “helpful” or “assistant” in Old Irish. This surname was common in southeastern Ireland, especially in County Kilkenny, and also appeared in Wexford and Waterford.

Another less common Irish source is Mac Óda, meaning “son of Óda,” where Óda may trace back to an old Germanic word meaning “wealthy.” Under English influence, these names were anglicized to Cody, making them easier to pronounce and write.

Some scholars have floated an Old English connection to codda, meaning “bag” or “pillow,” or to the personal name Coda, but those links are weak and rarely supported in modern sources. The Irish origin remains the strongest and most consistent explanation.

In the 19th century, the name gained attention in the United States thanks to William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a frontier scout and entertainer. His Wild West shows turned him into a global figure, and his fame helped shift Cody from a surname to a first name. It entered baby name charts in the late 1800s and rose sharply in the 1980s and 1990s, especially in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

The Layered History of CODY

The name Cody has roots in multiple languages, passed through centuries of cultural change, from Irish clans to American frontiers. It’s been shaped by culture, migrations, and public figures. That kind of history isn’t flat. It’s layered!

Cody has its roots in Ireland. It started as the Irish surname Ó Cuidighthigh, which comes from an old Gaelic word meaning “helpful one” or “provider of assistance.” When the English came to Ireland, they simplified a lot of Irish names – so Ó Cuidighthigh got shortened to just “Cody.”

For centuries, it was mainly a last name. Then, in America during the 1800s, it started being used as a first name, especially after Buffalo Bill Cody (whose real name was William Cody) became famous for his Wild West shows. His popularity helped turn Cody from just a surname into a common first name.

Choosing CODY as a baby name

The name Cody is most popular in English-speaking countries. By the late 20th century, Cody had become a popular first name in the U.S., climbing fast in the 1980s, peaking in the 1990s by landing in the top 25 for boys.

Canada and Australia followed a similar pattern around the same time. In the UK, Cody is used for both boys and girls, but hasn’t ranked as high. Outside these regions, the name is rare.

While it’s not as common today, it’s still a straightforward, friendly name with that Irish heritage behind it. The original meaning of “helper” fits pretty well with how most Codys tend to be – the kind of person you can rely on.

🥰 HOW to Celebrate & Observe National CODY Day?

Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help you get started.

Here are some activities that you can do on National CODY Day!

💙 Dive Into Cody HISTORY

Watch a documentary on Buffalo Bill Cody (the OG Cody who made the name famous). Try reading the “Life of Hon. William F. Cody” (his 1879 autobiography), or just skim a wiki page about the man.

💙 FIND a classic CODY-inspired work

If you’re looking for a quieter way to celebrate the name Cody, consider reading a classic book, melody, or poem inspired by the name. “Visions of Cody” by Jack Kerouac, “Cody’s Army” by Jim Case, and even the “Cody” series of children’s books by Tricia Springstubb are well-known examples, but there are many other great works out there to explore.

💙 RESEARCH the name “Cody”

Learn more about the name and its historical reference. Research the history and meaning of the name “Cody” and share what you learn with others. You can also explore the cultural and religious traditions associated with the name. There could be famous people throughout history named Cody, including activists, politicians, or artists. Read about their lives and accomplishments to learn more about the name and its significance.

💙 Give CODY a GIFT

Here are some gift idea suggestions for your friend, family member, neighbor, or work colleague named CODY!

• Personalized item: How about a keychain, mug, or piece of jewelry with the name “Cody” engraved on it? Anything can make a thoughtful and unique gift.
• Books or movies: If your person named “Cody” enjoys reading or watching movies, you can give them a book or movie featuring a character with the same name.
• Artwork or decorative items: You can give a piece of art or an ornamental piece with the name “Cody” on it. Alternatively, choose something that reflects the person’s interests or personality.
• Gift card or experience: You can give a gift card or plan an experience that the person named “Cody” would enjoy and possibly never forget – such as a meal at their favorite restaurant or tickets to a memorable concert or event.
• Donation to a charity: If the person named “Cody” is socially conscious, why not donate to a charity that aligns with their values in their name.

💙 RAISE Social Awareness

Use social media posts with the hashtags #NationalCodyDay, #Cody, #FunHolidays, #MayHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ National CODY Day.

LEARN how to pronounce the name CODY

MULTIPLE PRONUNCIATIONS OF CODY

CODY … IN SONG

SEVEN Fun Facts you never knew about National CODY Day

1. Cody remains strongly associated with boys, both in usage and in public perception. But it has been used for girls, especially in the U.S., starting in the late 20th century
2. The name Cody is not fully gender-neutral; it’s still widely seen as a boy’s name. At least not in the way names like Jordan, Taylor, or Alex are.
3. Cody, Wyoming, is named after Buffalo Bill, who helped found the town in 1896. The area still holds festivals, parades, and museums in his honor.
4. Cody was all over teen culture during the ‘90s pop boom. You had characters like Cody Lambert (Step by Step) and Cody Maverick (Surf’s Up), The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and even Cody in Digimon. The name became synonymous with the “nice kid” or the sensitive brother.
5. In Japanese pop culture, “Kōdī” is sometimes used in translations when localizing Western names into Japanese katakana; Cody becomes コーディー (Kōdī). It shows up in video games and anime, especially for American characters.
6. “Cody” is used in software and branding. It’s shown up as a name for bots, plugins, and digital tools.
7. It’s one of the few surnames-turned-first-names that didn’t come from nobility or religion like Enzo. Cody is “helper” in Irish: a practical, humble origin.

Famous PEOPLE 🎙️ also named CODY

• Cody Rhodes

  American professional wrestler and actor; son of Dusty Rhodes, and a top figure in WWE and AEW.

• Cody Simpson

  Australian singer, songwriter, surfer, and swimmer; gained fame as a teen pop star.

• Cody Garbrandt

  American mixed martial artist; former UFC Bantamweight Champion.

• Cody Kennedy

  American actress and model; appeared in shows like The Suite Life on Deck and CSI: NY.

Future DATES for National CODY Day

📛 Cody FAQ

WHEN is National CODY Day?

• National CODY Day is an annual celebration held on May 25th each year.

How do you PRONOUNCE the name CODY?

• The name Cody is typically pronounced as KOH-dee.

What are some variant names similar to CODY?

• There are several cultural variations & derivatives of the name “Cody”. Here are just a few:

• Nicknames – Code, Co, Cods, Cotty
• Kody – A phonetic variant, popular in the USA.
• Kodi – A softer spelling, sometimes used for girls.
• Codie – Often seen as a feminine version.
• Codi – A minimal, unisex variation.
• Codey – Less common alternate spelling.
• Kodie – A twist on Kody; less frequent but still used.
• Coady – A surname-based variant; sometimes used as a first name.

We LOVE You CODY!