Barry is a name of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning "fair-haired" or "speckled". It comes from the Gaelic word "baradh", which means "speckled". The name Barry was originally used as a nickname for people with red or fair hair.
The name Barry has been in use since the Middle Ages. In Scotland, it was often used as a clan name, with the most notable being the MacBarries of Kincardineshire. In Ireland, the name was typically found among the O'Barrys, who were originally from County Tipperary.
Throughout history, several notable people have borne the name Barry. One of the most famous is Sir Richard Barrable (1846-1925), a British naval officer and explorer who played a significant role in the exploration of Antarctica. Another notable figure is John Barry (1745-1803), an Irish-born American naval officer who served as commodore in the Continental Navy during the American Revolution.
Today, Barry remains a popular name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. It is often used as both a given name and a surname. While it may not be as common as some other names, Barry has a distinctiveness that makes it memorable and appealing to many people. Its meaning and origins also add to its charm, giving it a connection to Celtic history and culture.
The name Barry experienced its peak popularity from the mid-40s to the early 50s, with a notable high of 32 births in 1963. However, it saw a steady decline thereafter, with only single-digit occurrences after 1981, and just five births each year between 1990 and 1992. Over this period spanning from 1931 to 1992, the name Barry was given to a total of 766 newborns.