Barry

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Barry

Gender Boy
Origin Celtic
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation BEH-ree

Barry, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Barry

Marksman

The name Barry is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Baire," meaning "spear." It is traditionally a masculine name, and is often used as a variant of the name Bernard.

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Rate:
(2.8/5 from 94 votes)
Meaning Marksman
Origin Celtic
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #961 in 2004 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 60s name

Background & History of The Name Barry

The name Barry is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "barra" which means "spear". It is a masculine given name that has been widely used in English-speaking countries, particularly Ireland and the United Kingdom. The popularity of the name Barry reached its peak in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Over the years, it has been used as both a first name and a surname.

One of the notable figures associated with the name Barry is Barry Fitzgerald, an Irish actor who achieved great success in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Fitzgerald was nominated for two Academy Awards and won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie "Going My Way" in 1945. Another famous Barry is Barry Manilow, an American singer-songwriter who has sold millions of records worldwide. He is known for his hits such as "Mandy" and "Copacabana".

The name Barry has also been used in popular culture. In the DC Comics universe, Barry Allen is the civilian identity of the superhero known as the Flash, a character with incredible superhuman speed. The Flash has appeared in various comic books, TV shows, and movies, gaining a significant fan following.

Despite a decline in popularity in recent years, the name Barry still holds meaning and sentimental value for many individuals. It evokes characteristics such as strength, resilience, and determination, which are associated with the concept of a spear. The name has a timeless quality to it, connecting individuals to both their Irish heritage and the cultural significance it carries. Though used less frequently today, Barry remains a significant and meaningful name for those who bear it.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Barry over the years.

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