Gary

Table of Contents
1. Gary name meaning and origin
2. Gary name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Gary
4. Best name combinations with Gary
5. Numerology of Gary name
6. Gary name in pop culture
7. Famous people named Gary
8 Names similar to Gary

1. Gary name meaning and origin

The name Gary originated as an English surname derived from the Norman given name 'Geri' or 'Geri,' which was introduced to Britain after the Norman Conquest in 1066. These Norman names were themselves Germanic in origin, likely stemming from the Old Germanic element 'ger' or 'gari,' meaning 'spear' or 'lance.' As with many surnames, Gary eventually transitioned into use as a given name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Gary gained significant popularity as a first name in the United States during the 1930s through the 1950s, largely attributed to the influence of the American actor Gary Cooper (born Frank James Cooper). Cooper adopted 'Gary' as his stage name in honor of Gary, Indiana, his agent's hometown. The name reached its peak popularity in 1954 when it ranked as the 9th most popular male name in the United States. Though its usage has declined in recent decades, Gary remains a recognized masculine name with clear associations to strength and resilience, connected to its martial etymology.

2. Gary name popularity

Girl
Boy
#0
in 2023
0
from 2022
Popularity of Gary
United States
United Kingdom

Gary is a name primarily used for males in both the United States and the United Kingdom, though it has occasionally been given to females as well. The name originated as a diminutive of names like Gareth or Garrett, and gained significant popularity during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s.

In recent decades, Gary has experienced a decline in usage as parents have gravitated toward newer naming trends. Despite this decrease in popularity, the name maintains cultural recognition through notable bearers such as actor Gary Oldman and musician Gary Barlow. The name carries connotations of reliability and steadfastness in both American and British cultural contexts.

3. Variations and nicknames of Gary

The name Gary, originally derived from the Germanic name Gerard meaning 'spear-carrier,' has evolved into numerous variants across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking countries, Garry with double 'r' is a common alternative spelling, while Garin and Gareth represent historical variants with similar etymological roots. European variations include Gari (Basque), Gärri (Swedish), and Guérin (French). In Russian culture, the name is sometimes adapted as Gari or Garri, while Hebrew speakers might use Gershom as a formal equivalent. Gary has also been adopted in Asian countries, with variants like Gari or Gaari occasionally appearing in transliterated form.

As with many popular first names, Gary has inspired an array of affectionate nicknames and diminutives. The most common informal versions include Gaz and Gazzy, particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom and Australia. Other playful derivatives are G-man, G, Big G, and Gare-bear, often used by family members and close friends. Among children, Gar-Gar is sometimes employed as an endearing form. Regional nicknames include Gazza (especially popular in British sporting culture), Gare (common in North America), and Gair (used in some Scottish communities). Historically, the nickname Gar has been used as a standalone short form, while professional colleagues might opt for the more formal G.W. when referencing someone named Gary William or similar combinations.

4. Best name combinations with Gary

Middle names that pair well with Gary:

  • Gary Alexander
  • Gary Bennett
  • Gary Christopher
  • Gary Dominic
  • Gary Elliott
  • Gary Frederick
  • Gary Harrison
  • Gary Isaac
  • Gary Jonathan
  • Gary Langston
  • Gary Maxwell
  • Gary Nathaniel
  • Gary Oliver
  • Gary Preston
  • Gary Quentin
  • Gary Reginald
  • Gary Sullivan
  • Gary Theodore
  • Gary Vincent
  • Gary William

Names that go well when Gary is used as a middle name:

  • Adrian Gary
  • Blake Gary
  • Charles Gary
  • Daniel Gary
  • Edward Gary
  • Franklin Gary
  • Grant Gary
  • Henry Gary
  • Ian Gary
  • James Gary
  • Kenneth Gary
  • Lawrence Gary
  • Michael Gary
  • Nicholas Gary
  • Owen Gary
  • Philip Gary
  • Robert Gary
  • Samuel Gary
  • Thomas Gary
  • Wesley Gary

5. Numerology of Gary name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

7
G(7) + A(1) + R(9) + Y(7) = 24 = 2+4 = 7

Your Destiny Number 7 indicates you're naturally analytical, introspective, and spiritual. You possess strong intellectual abilities and tend to seek deeper meaning in life. Career paths that allow for research, analysis, or spiritual exploration would be fulfilling for you. In relationships, you may be somewhat reserved initially, valuing depth over surface connections. You need partners who respect your occasional need for solitude and who can engage with you intellectually.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

1
Vowels: A(1) = 1

With a Soul Urge Number 1, your inner desire is for independence, leadership, and originality. You're motivated by achievement and having the freedom to chart your own course. You secretly desire recognition for your unique contributions and may feel frustrated when constrained. In relationships, you seek partners who respect your autonomy while providing support for your ambitions.

Personality Number:

6
Consonants: G(7) + R(9) + Y(7) = 23 = 2+3 = 6

Your Personality Number 6 shows that others see you as responsible, nurturing, and harmonious. You likely come across as someone who can be relied upon, who values balance and takes care of others. People may naturally turn to you for advice or support. In professional settings, you're viewed as a team player and someone who creates harmony. In relationships, you're perceived as loyal and caring, someone who prioritizes creating a stable and loving environment.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

6. Gary name in pop culture

Name
Description
Gary Oak
Rival character in the Pokémon video game series and anime, known as the grandson of Professor Oak and the protagonist's main competitor
Gary the Snail
SpongeBob SquarePants' pet snail in the animated television series, known for his distinctive meow sound
Gary King
Main character played by Simon Pegg in the 2013 sci-fi comedy film 'The World's End', who leads his friends on a nostalgic pub crawl
Gary 'Eggsy' Unwin
Protagonist character portrayed by Taron Egerton in the 'Kingsman' film series, a street kid who becomes a sophisticated spy
Gary Walsh
Character played by Tony Hale in the HBO comedy series 'Veep', who serves as the personal aide to Vice President Selina Meyer

7. Famous people named Gary

Name
Description
Gary Oldman
English actor and filmmaker who has won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in 'Darkest Hour' and is known for roles in films like 'The Dark Knight' trilogy and 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'
Gary Sinise
American actor, director and musician best known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in 'Forrest Gump' and his philanthropic work supporting veterans
Gary Coleman
American actor who rose to prominence as Arnold Jackson in the sitcom 'Diff'rent Strokes' and was known for his catchphrase 'What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?'
Gary Busey
American actor known for his roles in films such as 'The Buddy Holly Story,' 'Point Break,' and 'Lethal Weapon'
Gary Lineker
English former professional footballer and current sports broadcaster who played as a striker and is England's fourth-highest international goalscorer
Gary Barlow
English singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer who found worldwide fame as a member of British pop group Take That
Gary Larson
American cartoonist, environmentalist, and former musician known for creating 'The Far Side,' a single-panel cartoon series that ran from 1980 to 1995
Gary Player
South African retired professional golfer, widely considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, and one of only five players to win the Career Grand Slam
Gary Vaynerchuk
Belarusian-American entrepreneur, author, speaker, and internet personality known for his work in digital marketing and social media
Gary Payton
American former professional basketball player who is regarded as one of the best point guards of all time and was nicknamed 'The Glove' for his defensive skills

8. Names similar to Gary

Baby Name Generator

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Our Baby Name Generator helps you find the perfect name, sorted by gender, letter, meaning, and more. You don't need to fill out every field, just the ones you're interested in.

I'm looking for
  • Boy
  • Girl
  • Both
names with the
, starting with
and ending with
with
syllables.
I like names that mean
and are
  • Any theme
  • Biblical
  • Classic
  • Color-inspired
  • Cool and creative
  • Disney characters
  • Elegant
  • Flowers
  • Gender-neutral
  • Hipster
  • Musical
  • Mythology
  • Nature
  • Old-fashioned
  • Places
  • Popular-namealternatives
  • Shakespeare
  • Short and sweet
  • Southern
  • Uniqu
  • Wild West
names.
Show me names of
  • Any origin
  • African
  • African American
  • American
  • American Indian
  • British
  • Arabic
  • Aramaic
  • Armenian
  • Basque
  • Celtic
  • Chechen
  • Chinese
  • Dutch
  • Egyptian
  • English
  • Eritrean
  • Filipino
  • French
  • Gaelic
  • German
  • Ghanaian
  • Greek
  • Hawaiian
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Hindu
  • Hungarian
  • Indian
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Latin
  • Maori
  • Muslim
  • Native American
  • Nigerian
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Polynesian
  • Punjabi
  • Russian
  • Sanskrit
  • Scandinavian
  • Scottish
  • Slavic
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Swedish
  • Teutonic
  • Tongan
  • Turkish
  • Ugandan
  • Vietnamese
  • Welsh
  • Yoruban
Origin.

Search by name

Looking for baby name ideas, advice, meanings, and popularity.

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Popularity All names
All names
Show top 50
Show top 100
Exclude top 50
Exclude top 100
Sort by Most popular
Most popular
A to Z
Z to A
Table of Contents
1. Gary name meaning and origin
2. Gary name popularity
3. Variations and nicknames of Gary
4. Best name combinations with Gary
5. Numerology of Gary name
6. Gary name in pop culture
7. Famous people named Gary
8. Names similar to Gary