Gary
Gary may derive from the Old English "gar" (spear) or from a Norman place name. As a first name, Gary is essentially modern — it became popular in the early 20th century, partly because of Gary Cooper (1901-1961), the actor born Frank James Cooper who took his stage name from the Indiana city of Gary. Gary was a top-50 American name from 1935 to 1975, peaking at #9 in 1954. The peak was so concentrated that Gary now reads as definitively mid-century. Gary (the actor Gary Oldman, born 1958, known for "Dracula" and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy") gave the name a contemporary charge. I find Gary has a brisk, mid-century quality — the "G" opening is firm, and the single syllable is direct. The name has been outside the US top 500 since 2015. Gary is a male name of English (place name) origin that means "Spear (from Garth)". Brisk, mid-century, and approachable. The name sounds friendly. Garys tend to be steady. US peaked #9 in 1954. Outside top 500 since 2015. Well-known people named Gary include Gary Cooper (actor), Gary Oldman (actor), Gary (English place name), Gary (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Gary include Garry (variant), Gari (variant), Garry (variant), Gaz (nickname).