Origin, Meaning, And History Of Gary
The classic masculine name has Norman French and Old English roots. The name has various meanings depending on its origin. In Norse, it means ‘enclosure,’ while in French, it means ‘watchful.’ If you consider the name to have Germanic roots, then it translates to ‘spear carrier.’ In English, Gary means ‘spearman.’
According to some linguists, the name comes from the Old Frankish name Geiserich. This name consists of ‘gaizaz,’ meaning ‘spear’ or ‘pike,’ and ‘rīkijaz,’ which means ‘royal.’ Others say that the Old English term Garwig is a predecessor of this name. This is because Garwig has the elements ‘gar,’ meaning ‘a spear’ and ‘wig,’ which implies a battle. Gary can also be a nickname for terms that begin with the Germanic element ‘gar.’
The ‘Gare’ sound at the start of the name Gary in American English makes many people think it is a short form of Garrett. However, there is no relation between the two names.
Besides being a given name, Gary is also a popular surname in Middle English. Gary also refers to a city in Lake County, Indiana.
The name’s popularity soared in the late 1920s thanks to the American actorGary Cooper.Born Frank James Cooper, he adopted the name Gary in 1925 when his casting director Nan Collins said it expressed the robust and rugged nature of her native Gary, Indiana.
The name has various occurrences in popular culture as well. For example, Gary the Snail is the famousSpongebob Squarepantscartoon character. The actor Ted Shackelford plays Gary Ewing’s character on the two popular TV showsDallasandKnots Landing. Gary, Indiana, is also the name of a song sung by American former child actor Eddie Hodges. Gary is also the lead character’s name in Tina Tirrell’s book,Her Pocket Boyfriend.
How To Pronounce Gary?
Famous People With The Name Gary
- Gary BuseyAmerican actor, known for playing Buddy Holly in the biographical film “The Buddy Holly Story”
- Gary ColeAmerican actor, famous for playing Jack ‘Nighthawk’ Killian in the NBC television series Midnight Caller.
- Gary DourdanAmerican actor, best known for portraying Warrick Brown on the TV series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
- Gary GygaxAmerican game designer, co-created the popular role-playing game “Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)”
- Gary UsherAmerican rock musician, known for his productions “Go Little Honda” and “Hondells”
- Gary LucyEnglish actor, famous for depicting Will Fletcher in the ITV police drama “The Bill”
Gary On The Popularity Chart
Gary was a highly popular name in the 1980s era. These charts from the SSA will help you understand its usage over the decades.
Popularity Over Time
The name was one of the top masculine names from 1980 till 1993. But its popularity dipped in the new millennium. In 2021, 252 babies per million shared the name.
Source:Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Gary reached its lowest rank in 2007, after which it gradually improved. In 2021, the name was at the 18,448th position in the US.
Source:Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Gary
Do you like the feel and sound of this simple name? If so, these names are ideal options if you are searching for similar monikers.
Popular Sibling Names For Gary
Other Popular Names Beginning With G
Names With Similar Meaning As Gary
Many parents appreciate the meaning of Gary. These names have the same connotations. Check them out.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
被clickin高质量的PDF版本g below.
Download Infographic
How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
gary
In Sign Language
gary
In Braille Alphabet
gary
In Morse Code
gary
Name Numerology For Gary
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Gary?
The name Gary means a familiar form of gerald.
2. How to pronounce the name Gary?
Gary is pronounced as ga-ry.
