Gary is a boy's name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Old Germanic given name Gerhard, which itself comes from the two elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "hard" meaning "strong, brave". Therefore, Gary means "strong spear".
The name Gary was first used in England during the Middle Ages but it did not become popular until the 20th century. It gained prominence in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s, becoming one of the most popular boy's names during that time.
Gary has been associated with several notable figures throughout history, including American actors Gary Cooper and Gary Sinise, as well as Welsh singer Tom Jones whose real name is Sir roger Vivian Haworth but he goes by his stage name Tom Jones. These individuals have helped to further popularize the name Gary over the years.
The name Gary has been a popular choice among parents in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year. Between 1915 and 1997, there were a total of 3,284 babies named Gary born in the U.S.
From 1915 onwards, the number of babies named Gary started off relatively low, with only 6 births recorded that year. However, by 1930, the popularity of the name began to rise significantly, with 15 babies being named Gary that year. This trend continued throughout the 1930s, peaking at 44 births in 1940.
The peak period for the name Gary was during the post-World War II baby boom era. Between 1946 and 1961, there were consistently high numbers of babies named Gary born each year, with a total of 2,375 births recorded over this 15-year period.
However, after reaching its peak popularity in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the name Gary began to decline in popularity. From 1964 onwards, the number of babies named Gary born each year decreased significantly, with only 7 births recorded in 1997.
Despite this decline in recent years, the name Gary remains a classic choice among parents looking for a traditional and timeless name for their baby boy. With its rich history and strong popularity over the past century, Gary is sure to continue being a beloved and iconic name for generations to come.