Gary

Meanings

1. A male given name from the Germanic languages, popular from the 1940s to the 1970s; variant form Garry.
2. A surname from Middle English [in turn originating as a patronymic]; variant form Garry.
3. Numerous places in the United States:
4. A city in Lake County, Indiana, named after American judge and businessman Elbert Henry Gary.
5. A neighbourhood of Tampa, Florida.
6. An unincorporated community in Howard County, Maryland.
7. A minor city in Norman County, Minnesota, named after Garrett L. Thorpe.
8. A city in Deuel County, South Dakota.
9. A minor city in McDowell County, West Virginia, named after American judge and businessman Elbert Henry Gary.
10. Ellipsis of Gary City: a town in Panola County, Texas, United States.

1. Synonym of Gary Glitter (“anus”).

Etymology

Medieval short form of Germanic compound names beginning with gari or geri ("spear"), such as Gerard, Gerald, or Gerbert. Cognate with the Scottish and Irish name Garaidh. The popularity of the given name in the 20th century is due to the American actor Gary Cooper, whose stage name was invented by his agent, a native of Gary, Indiana.