Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Gary
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “from an English surname; possibly spear”
- Meaning
- from an English surname; possibly spear
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- GEH-ree
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,073
- US babies 2025
- 201
- Best rank
- #9 (1954)
- Peak year
- 1952
Meaning and origin of Gary
Gary is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “from an English surname; possibly spear”.
Gary comes from an English surname that is usually traced to a Germanic personal name beginning with gar, "spear". As a first name it rose sharply in the twentieth century, largely thanks to the film star Gary Cooper, who took his screen name from the city of Gary in Indiana, itself named after the businessman Elbert Gary. The name became very common in the United States and Britain during the mid century. Gary is friendly, plainspoken and easy to spell, with a straightforward everyday image. It is now less common for babies, which gives it a slightly retro appeal for parents who like mid-century classics.
Popularity over time
Gary has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 140 different years. Its best national rank was #9 in 1954, and the most babies received it in 1952, when 38,754 were named Gary. In 2025, 201 babies were named Gary, and it ranked #1,073 nationally. That is 58% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #770 in 1920, #10 in 1950, #63 in 1980, #275 in 2000, #475 in 2010, and #1,073 in 2025. Of the 902,152 US boys named Gary since records began, 37% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 217,772 babies. Since 2010, 5,881 more have been named Gary.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Thomas, Dennis, Stephen, and Roger.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Gary ranked highest in Missouri, Minnesota, and Michigan.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Gary is usually pronounced GEH-ree, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with G and ends in “-ry”.
Middle names for Gary
A few middle names that flow with Gary: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Gary
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Lists that include Gary
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gary mean?
Gary is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “from an English surname; possibly spear”.
What is the origin of the name Gary?
Gary has English and Germanic roots. Gary comes from an English surname that is usually traced to a Germanic personal name beginning with gar, "spear".
Is Gary a popular name?
Not especially. Gary ranked #1,073 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Gary a boy or girl name?
Gary is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Gary?
Gary is usually pronounced GEH-ree. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings