Elmer vs Gary

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Gary

Boy #1,133 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

American English Irish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,133
Total SSA Count
187
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Gar

Playground Safety Score

12 High Risk

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

Full profile for Gary →

Popularity Comparison

Elmer Rank #1,169
Gary Rank #1,133

Gary is more popular, ranked #1133 vs #1169 for Elmer.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Elmer ___

  • Elmer Lee
  • Elmer Wayne
  • Elmer Ray
  • Elmer Dale
  • Elmer Gene
  • Elmer Dean

Gary ___

  • Gary James
  • Gary Lee
  • Gary Alan
  • Gary Wayne
  • Gary Dean
  • Gary Ray

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Elmer

Harold Walter Dorothy Mildred Clifford

If you choose Gary

Larry Terry Linda Donna Sandra

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elmer or Gary more popular?

Gary is more popular, ranked #1133 compared to Elmer at #1169 in the United States.

What do Elmer and Gary mean?

Elmer means "noble and famous" (Old English origin). Gary means "spear ruler" (Germanic origin).

Are Elmer and Gary boy or girl names?

Elmer is primarily a boy name. Gary is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Elmer ← Full profile: Gary Browse all baby names