Boy
Germanic
2 syllables
Gary
GAIR-ee
/ˈɡær.i/
"Spear ruler" — a mid-century American classic with solid Germanic roots and no-nonsense charm
Gary is an English form of Germanic names beginning with the element gar meaning spear, such as Gariwalt or Gerard. It was popularized in the US partly through admiration for actor Gary Cooper, and became one of the dominant names of mid-20th century America. Simple, direct, and unpretentious, Gary carries working-class American warmth and a certain nostalgic charm.
Quick Facts
Letters4
SyllablesGa · ry
GenderBoy
OriginGermanic
Root WordGariwalt
MeaningSpear ruler, mighty spearman
PopularityFamiliar
Peak Year1954
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayJune 16
Nicknames
GareG
About the Name Gary
Gary means spear ruler or mighty spearman, derived from Germanic gar (spear) combined with names like Gariwalt or Gerald.
Gary is an English form of Germanic names containing the element gar (spear). It became popular in America in the mid-20th century.
Gary was one of the most popular names in the US from the 1940s to 1960s but has declined steeply and is now considered a vintage name.
Gary James, Gary Lee, and Gary Wayne are traditional mid-century combinations that suit this two-syllable name.
Garys are typically seen as unpretentious, warm, and dependable — a name associated with honest, hardworking character.
Gary is spelled G-A-R-Y. The spelling Garry with a double R is less common but also used.
Personality of Gary
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Gary
Creativity
62%
Elegance
50%
Independence
70%
Intelligence
68%
Strength
76%
Warmth
82%
Famous People Named Gary
G
Gary Cooper
American actor known for High Noon and his dignified leading-man roles
G
Gary Lineker
English football legend and top scorer at the 1986 FIFA World Cup
G
Gary Oldman
Oscar-winning British actor known for Darkest Hour and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Middle Names for Gary
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Gary
Gary James
Gary Lee
Gary Wayne
Gary Allen
Gary Dean
Gary Scott
Gary Ray
Gary Alan
Gary Keith
Gary Dale
Names Similar to Gary
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Gary
800
Germanic Gar names used among Franks and Anglo-Saxons as warrior names
1930
Gary becomes popular in the US, boosted by actor Gary Cooper's stardom
1954
Gary reaches its US peak as a top 10 name
2000
Usage declines sharply; now strongly associated with the Baby Boomer generation
Numerology & Symbolism of Gary
6
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Taurus
6
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Blue
💎
Lucky Stone
Aquamarine
🌸
Lucky Flower
Bluebell
Gary Around the World
How Gary is written in different languages and scripts
غاري
Arabic
ゲーリー
Japanese
Гэри
Russian
게리
Korean
盖里
Chinese
Γκάρι
Greek
गैरी
Hindi
גארי
Hebrew
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