"fair-haired, blonde head"
Origin: Irish Gaelic Fionnbarra
Language: English
Barry
Pronunciation: [ b-AR-ee ]
Does Barry flow with your last name?
A warm, unpretentious classic from the golden age of Barry
Irish
English
American
Australian
Vintage
Classic
Friendly
Traditional
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"spear, marksman"
Origin: Alternative Welsh/Celtic interpretation
Language: English
"summit, top"
Origin: Welsh barr
Language: Welsh
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The Story of Barry
Barry is the anglicized form of the Irish name Bairre, a short form of Fionnbarra (meaning 'fair-haired' — from 'fionn' meaning fair/white and 'barr' meaning head/top). It is also connected to the Welsh name Barry, which may derive from the Welsh 'bar' meaning summit or top. Saint Finbar of Cork, a 6th-century Irish bishop revered as the patron saint of Cork, helped establish this name in Irish tradition. The Barry surname (from Norman French 'de Beri') also contributed to its use as a given name.
Barry was at the height of its popularity in English-speaking countries from the 1930s through the 1960s. It was a quintessential mid-century American and British name — friendly, unpretentious, and masculine without being aggressive. Like many names of that era (Gary, Larry, Jerry, Terry), it has fallen significantly out of fashion and is now strongly associated with middle-aged and older men. It is, however, showing signs of being rediscovered as a retro choice.
Barry is deeply associated with mid-20th century Irish-American and British-Australian culture. In Australia, 'Barry' became so synonymous with an average, unremarkable man that the term 'a bit of a Barry' entered informal usage as a gentle insult. The name carries warm nostalgia in Irish-American communities.
Historical Record
Barry first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 137,196 babies have been named Barry in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Barry is past its peak , currently ranked #1,421 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Barry is the anglicized form of the name of Saint Finbar of Cork, the 6th-century patron saint of Cork, Ireland
- Barry Manilow, Barry White, and Barry Gibb represent three different musical generations who made the name famous
- In Australia, 'Barry' became informal slang for a socially awkward or uncool person — showing how a name can take on cultural meaning beyond the individual
Barry in Other Languages
Irish
Bairre
Welsh
Barri
French
Barry
Spanish
Barry
Japanese
バリー
Popularity Over Time
#1,421
Current Rank
Peaked 1962
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Barry
B
Barry Gibb
Musician
1946
British-Australian singer and songwriter, founding member and last surviving member of the Bee Gees
B
Barry White
Musician
1944
American singer and record producer known for his deep bass voice and romantic soul music; hits include 'Can't Get Enoug...
American singer and record producer known for his deep bass voice and romantic soul music; hits include 'Can't Get Enough of Your Love'
B
Barry Manilow
Musician
1943
American singer and songwriter who wrote and recorded some of the most played songs in radio history, including 'Mandy' ...
American singer and songwriter who wrote and recorded some of the most played songs in radio history, including 'Mandy' and 'Copacabana'
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,421
- Total SSA Count
- 130
- Cultural Origins
- Irish English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Bar
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Barry
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Barry is also used as a girl name, ranked #68856.
View Barry as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Barry
What does the name Barry mean?
"fair-haired, blonde head" (from Irish Gaelic Fionnbarra). "spear, marksman" (from Alternative Welsh/Celtic interpretation). "summit, top" (from Welsh barr). Barry is the anglicized form of the Irish name Bairre, a short form of Fionnbarra (meaning 'fair-haired' — from 'fionn' meaning fair/white and 'barr' meaning head/top). It is also connected to the Welsh name Barry, which may derive from the Welsh 'bar' meaning summit or top. Saint Finbar of Cork, a 6th-century Irish bishop revered as the patron saint of Cork, helped establish this name in Irish tradition. The Barry surname (from Norman French 'de Beri') also contributed to its use as a given name.
What is the origin of the name Barry?
Barry has Irish Gaelic Fionnbarra, Alternative Welsh/Celtic interpretation, Welsh barr, Irish, English, American, and Australian origins. In Irish Gaelic Fionnbarra, it means "fair-haired, blonde head". In Alternative Welsh/Celtic interpretation, it means "spear, marksman". In Welsh barr, it means "summit, top".
Is Barry a boy or girl name?
Barry is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1421. As a girl name, it is ranked #68856. Barry is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Barry?
Barry is pronounced b-AR-ee.
How popular is the name Barry?
Barry is currently ranked #1421 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Barry?
Common nicknames for Barry include Bar.
What are good middle names for Barry?
Popular middle name pairings include Barry James, Barry John, Barry Michael, Barry Thomas, Barry Patrick, Barry Allen, and Barry Lee.
What are good sibling names for Barry?
Names that pair well with Barry as siblings include Gary, Larry, Terry, Carol, Sharon, Linda, and Donna.
How many syllables does Barry have?
Barry has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Barry a common or rare name?
Barry is an uncommon name, ranked #1421 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Barry?
About the Name Barry
Barry is a boy name with Irish, English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "fair-haired, blonde head" in Irish Gaelic Fionnbarra .
Is Barry a boy or girl name? Barry is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,421 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #68,856. Barry is more commonly used as a boy name.
Barry is currently ranked #1,421 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Barry has 2 syllables and is pronounced b-AR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Barry include Bar. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Barry include Barrett, Barron, Barret . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis