Gerald vs Gary

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Gerald

Boy #1,168 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"rule of the spear, spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

English Irish American

✓ All Clear

Boy #1,133 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

American English Irish

12 High Risk

{:type=>:nickname, :severity=>:medium, :message=>"'Gary' can be twisted to 'scary'"}

Gerald Rank #1,168

Gary Rank #1,133

Gary is more popular, ranked #1133 vs #1168 for Gerald.

Is Gerald or Gary more popular?

Gary is more popular, ranked #1133 compared to Gerald at #1168 in the United States.

What do Gerald and Gary mean?

Gerald means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" (Germanic origin). Gary means "spear ruler" (Germanic origin).

Are Gerald and Gary boy or girl names?

Gerald is primarily a boy name. Gary is primarily a boy name.