Gary is a name of English origin that has been used as both a first and last name for centuries. The name comes from the Old French word "Gari", which means "spear". It was also used as a surname in medieval England, often given to someone who was swift or quick with their hands.
In the Middle Ages, Gary was not commonly used as a given name. Instead, it was typically passed down through families as a surname. However, over time, some people began using Gary as their first name, and it gained popularity during the 20th century.
Today, Gary is considered a classic yet timeless name that has been popular among parents for many years. While it may not be as trendy as some newer names, it remains a well-known and beloved choice for boys' names around the world. Despite its origins in medieval England, Gary has also become associated with American culture, particularly through famous figures like actor Gary Cooper and basketball player Gary Payton.
Overall, Gary is a strong and distinctive name that carries a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its meaning of "spear" adds an element of strength and power to the name, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a traditional yet unique name for their son.
The name Gary has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, as indicated by these birth statistics. In its early years, from 1880 to around 1950, it maintained a steady but low presence, with fewer than 20 births per year until 1946. However, post-World War II saw a substantial increase in popularity, with a peak of 38,753 births in 1952.
The name continued to be popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with consistent numbers ranging between 20,000 to 30,000 births annually. It started to decline in popularity from the mid-1960s onwards, reaching a low of around 400 births per year by the late 1990s.
In recent years, Gary has become quite rare as a baby name, with fewer than 300 babies named Gary born each year since 2017. This represents a significant drop from its peak popularity in the mid-20th century. Overall, over the course of these statistics (from 1880 to 2023), there have been a total of 901,738 babies named Gary.