Gerry is a name of Irish origin and means 'spear ruler'. It's a variation of the medieval name Gerard, which was derived from the Germanic elements 'ger' meaning 'spear' and 'hard' meaning 'strong, brave, hardy'. The name Gerry was popularized in the mid-20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name, including American actor and director Geraldine 'Gerry' Mulligan and former Australian prime minister Gerard 'Gerry' Whitlam.
The name Gerry has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1910 to 2019, there were a total of 6656 babies named Gerry.
In the early 20th century, the number of births with the name Gerry fluctuated between 7 and 43 annually. However, from the late 1920s onwards, there was a steady increase in its popularity. The peak occurred in 1938 when 175 babies were named Gerry.
Post-World War II era saw a consistent decrease in the name's popularity. Between 1946 and 1972, the annual births with the name Gerry ranged between 30 and 76. From 1973 onwards, the number of newborns named Gerry significantly decreased, averaging around 20 births per year.
In recent years, from 1983 to 2019, there have been fewer than 15 babies named Gerry each year, with some years having only a single digit number of births. The most recent data shows that in 2019, the name Gerry was given to just 5 newborns in the United States.
While the popularity of the name Gerry has significantly decreased over time, it is still possible for parents to choose this name for their child today. It's essential to remember that the meaning and origin of a name are not as important as the personal connection and significance it holds for the person who bears it or their family.