Barry

1. Barry name meaning and origin

The name Barry is of Irish and Welsh origin, derived from several Gaelic and Celtic sources. In Irish Gaelic, it comes from the name 'Bairre' or 'Fionnbharr,' meaning 'fair-haired' or 'fair-headed.' This name was popularized by Saint Finbarr, a 6th-century bishop who founded Cork, Ireland. The Welsh derivation comes from 'ap Harry,' meaning 'son of Harry,' which over time was shortened to Barry.

Beyond its origins as a surname, Barry evolved into a given name that gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century. Its peak usage in the United States occurred during the 1950s and 1960s, when it ranked among the top 100 male names. The name carries connotations of strength and reliability while maintaining its connection to Celtic heritage.

References:

Barry Name Meaning and Barry Family History at FamilySearch

2. Barry name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Barry

United States

United Kingdom

Barry is a masculine name primarily used in the United States and the United Kingdom. Despite being recognized in both countries, recent popularity rankings indicate that Barry has fallen outside the top charting names in these regions. The name has occasionally been used for girls in the US, though this remains uncommon.

Barry originated as an anglicized form of the Irish name Bairre or Fionnbharr, meaning "fair-haired" or "fair-headed." It gained notable recognition through famous bearers such as actor Barry Sullivan and singer Barry White. Though no longer among the most fashionable choices for newborns, Barry maintains a classic appeal and solid cultural presence.

3. Variations and nicknames of Barry

The name Barry has a rich history spanning multiple cultures and languages, giving rise to various formal variants across the globe. Originally derived from the Irish name Bairre or Barra, a diminutive of Fionnbharr meaning 'fair-haired' or 'fair-topped,' the name gained prominence through figures like Saint Finbar of Cork. In Welsh tradition, Barry evolved from ap Harry or ab Harry, meaning 'son of Harry.' Different cultural adaptations include the French Barrie, the Italian Bari, and the Scottish Barrie. Some parents opt for more formal variants on birth certificates such as Barret, Barrington, or Bartholomew, while in Slavic languages, forms like Borys or Boris represent related alternatives. The spelling variant Bari has taken on its own identity in some communities, particularly in Southern Italy where it coincides with the name of a prominent city.

Beyond these formal variants, Barry boasts a collection of affectionate nicknames and diminutives used by family and friends. The most common include Baz, which gained popularity in Australia and the UK, and the straightforward abbreviated form Bar. More playful diminutives include Bear, Bazzer, Bazza (particularly common in Australia), and B. Some Barry-named individuals receive completely unrelated nicknames like Bunny, Buddy, or Red (often referring to hair color). In professional settings, some Barrys prefer the more distinguished sounding Barrington or simply B.J. if their middle name begins with J. Interestingly, in families with multiple generations of Barrys, distinguishing nicknames like Big Barry, Little Barry, Junior, or Tres (for a third-generation namesake) often emerge organically, creating personal identities within the shared name tradition.

4. Best name combinations with Barry

Middle names that pair well with Barry:

Barry Alexander
Barry Andrew
Barry Caleb
Barry Charles
Barry Daniel
Barry Elijah
Barry Fitzgerald
Barry Gabriel
Barry Harrison
Barry Isaac
Barry James
Barry Nathaniel
Barry Oliver
Barry Patrick
Barry Samuel
Barry Theodore
Barry Vincent
Barry William

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

Adrian Barry
Bennett Barry
Christopher Barry
Dominic Barry
Edward Barry
Francis Barry
Gregory Barry
Henry Barry
Ian Barry
Jonathan Barry
Kenneth Barry
Lawrence Barry
Michael Barry
Nicholas Barry
Owen Barry
Philip Barry
Robert Barry
Thomas Barry

5. Numerology of Barry name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

2
B=2, A=1, R=9, R=9, Y=7 = 28 → 2+8 = 10 → 1+0 = 2

The Destiny Number 2 suggests a diplomatic, cooperative individual who thrives in partnerships. Barry likely possesses natural mediator qualities, with sensitivity to others' needs and perspectives. In careers, this indicates success in collaborative environments such as counseling, teamwork, or supportive roles. In relationships, Barry tends to be nurturing, understanding, and seeks harmony, though sometimes at the expense of personal needs.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

1
Vowels: A=1 → 1

With a Soul Urge Number 1, Barry has an inner drive toward independence and leadership. At heart, Barry desires recognition, achievement, and originality. This number reveals an ambitious nature with strong self-motivation and pioneering spirit. In relationships, Barry may seek a partner who respects autonomy while supporting ambitions.

Personality Number:

1
Consonants: B=2, R=9, R=9, Y=7 = 27 → 2+7 = 9

The Personality Number 9 represents how others perceive Barry - as compassionate, idealistic, and humanitarian. Barry likely appears wise, generous, and concerned with the greater good. This number suggests a natural ability to connect with diverse people and a tendency to be viewed as selfless and understanding. In professional settings, Barry may be seen as someone with integrity who inspires others.

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. Names similar to Barry

Like Barry ? What about:

Caiden

Ahjin

Elaine

Campbell

Charlee

Caleb

Eli

Ainsley

Afton

Courtney

Camille

Pierre

Bernice

Golden

Corbin

Bodie

Ella

Bertin

Thibaud

Charlette

Common sibling names

Sisters

Sidney

Darcy

Noelle

Ainsley

Simone

Darcie

Camille

Elise

Ella

Myra

Carter

Bella

Margot

Elaine

Alice

Charlee

Aubrey

Charlotte

Brothers

Bodie

Declan

Cayden

Darcy

Marlon

Eli

Sidney

Aubrey

Quincy

Warren

Andre

Corbin

Caleb

Caden

Albert

Curtis

Carter

Caiden

Aiden

Charles

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

Any Gender

names with the

Last Name

, starting with

Any Letter

and ending with

Any Letter

with

Any Number of

syllables.

I like names that mean

Floral, Unique, Trendy

and are

Any theme

names.

Show me names of

Any Origin

Origin.

Search by name

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

Barry

1. Barry name meaning and origin

References:

2. Barry name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Barry

4. Best name combinations with Barry

Middle names that pair well with Barry:

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

5. Numerology of Barry name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

6. Names similar to Barry

Like Barry ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

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

Baby name lists including Barry

OUR LATEST ACTIVITIES

Barry

1. Barry name meaning and origin

References:

2. Barry name popularity

3. Variations and nicknames of Barry

4. Best name combinations with Barry

Middle names that pair well with Barry:

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

5. Numerology of Barry name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

6. Names similar to Barry

Like Barry ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

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

Baby name lists including Barry

Welcome 👋 😄