The nameGary
Gary is a mid-century American classic, in the top 10 in the early 1950s.
- Boy's name
- English
Meaning
Gary probably comes from an English surname linked to the Germanic gar, "spear". The town of Gary, Indiana, is named after a steel executive.
Origin
English, from a Germanic root.
History
The actor Gary Cooper made the name popular from the 1930s. In the United States Gary was in the top 10 from 1950 to 1954, reaching 9th place.
Did you know?
- Gary Oldman won the Oscar for best actor in 2018 for playing Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
Famous people named Gary
- Gary Cooper, actor
- Gary Oldman, actor
- Gary Lineker, footballer and broadcaster
Popularity of the name Gary
Gary in the United States
Gary was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 330,692 births over the decade, 37% of all recorded babies named Gary. Its rise began around 1935, and it peaked in 1952. Half of all babies named Gary in the United States were born before 1955, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 234 births a year on average, against 401 in the five years before.
Gary in the United Kingdom
Gary was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 1,241 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Gary. Half of all babies named Gary in the United Kingdom were born before 2002. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 15 births a year on average, against 33 in the five years before.
Gary in Ireland
Gary in France
Sibling names for Gary
Names from the same generation as Gary, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Gary? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Gary with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Gary side by side with the name of your choice.
Gary in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gary mean?
Gary probably comes from an English surname linked to the Germanic gar, "spear". The town of Gary, Indiana, is named after a steel executive.
What is the origin of the name Gary?
English, from a Germanic root.
Is Gary a girl's or a boy's name?
Gary is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Gary?
In 2024, Gary was the 1131st most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 187 births.
What are good sibling names for Gary?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Kathy, Nancy, Wendy and Sharon for a sister, Bobby, Cedric, Carl and Tommy for a brother.
Who are famous people named Gary?
Gary Cooper, actor; Gary Oldman, actor; Gary Lineker, footballer and broadcaster.