ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gary

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈɡæɹi// gary

n. a common traditional name for a man. It was very popular in English-speaking countries in the middle of the 20th century.

n. a masculine given name of Germanic origin, meaning 'spear'. While historically common in the United Kingdom and North America, its frequency of use for newborns has declined significantly since the 1950s.


SIMPLE

My uncle Gary lives in a small house by the sea.

CONTEXTUAL

The office manager, Gary, is responsible for ordering all the supplies and managing the budget.

COMPLEX

Sociologists often point to the name Gary as a prime example of a 'generational name' that peaked sharply in popularity before falling out of fashion with subsequent parents.

Etymology 1

Medieval short form of Germanic compound names beginning with gari or geri ("spear"), such as Gerard, Gerald, or Gerbert. Cognate with the Scottish and Irish name Garaidh. The popularity of the given name in the 20th century is due to the American actor Gary Cooper, whose stage name was invented by his agent, a native of Gary, Indiana.

Etymology 2

Ellipsis of Gary Glitter.

Usage

As a proper noun, it is always capitalized.

Idioms1 entry

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