The name Korey is believed to have originated from the Greek name Korios, which means "lord" or "master." This name has its roots in ancient Greek culture, dating back to the classical period of ancient Greece.

The earliest recorded use of the name Korey can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire, where it was used as a variant of the name Kyrios, which was a title of respect given to the Byzantine emperor. During this time, the name was associated with royalty and nobility.

In the Middle Ages, the name Korey gained popularity in various European regions, particularly in France, where it was spelled as Corey or Cori. It was often used as a diminutive form of the name Coriolan, which was derived from the Latin name Coriolanus.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Korey was Cori the Fortunate, a 9th-century French nobleman who was known for his military exploits and his role in defending the kingdom against Viking raids. Another historical figure was Cori of Reims, a 12th-century French cleric who served as the Archbishop of Reims and played a significant role in the coronation of several French kings.

During the Renaissance period, the name Korey gained further popularity across Europe. One of the most famous individuals with this name was Corey de Rene, a 16th-century Italian artist and architect who was renowned for his work on the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

In the 17th century, the name Korey was introduced to England, where it was often spelled as Cory or Corey. One notable figure from this era was Corey Giles, an English mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of celestial mechanics.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the name Korey continued to be used across various parts of Europe and North America. One notable individual was Corey Shackleton, an Irish-born American artist and explorer who was part of the famous Shackleton Antarctic Expedition in the early 20th century.