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Gary

Boy name · 11,342 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Gary: 11,342 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 617 births in 1981.

With Germanic roots, Gary comes from the Old English name Garēad, combining "gar" (spear) and "rīc" (ruler), meaning "spear ruler" – a fittingly strong, straightforward choice. Famous bearers include Hollywood legend Gary Cooper, whose understated style defined the golden age of cinema, and English footballer Gary Lineker, known for his prolific goal-scoring and clean-cut image. The industrial city of Gary, Indiana, was named after lawyer and steel magnate Elbert Henry Gary, adding a distinct American place connection. In Scotland, Gary has remained a steady favourite since the 1970s, often seen as a standalone given name rather than a short form, though it does share roots with names like Gareth and Gerald.