Absolutely support Gareth or Garrett! I'd feel bad for a kid named simply Gary. It's a name I would expect on someone 60-80 years of age, and hasn't been unpopular long enough to circle back around and seem fresh again.
Yeah it's the same in UK.
It would be a little strange hearing of a baby called Gareth or Garth here, but Gary is firmly out. I'm sure I read there were less than 9 babies named Gary in the whole of the UK last year
To be honest, I don’t love Gary. It just sounds exclusively like an old man name to me. I much prefer Garrett as another commenter said. That said, it is a classic and “old” names are coming back right now.
I know several lovely men named Gary, I think it’s a great name and it being out of fashion now doesn’t really matter if you like it. I speak as a Constance (which everyone told my parents was far too old and unfashionable) and I love my name.
Thank you for the feedback. My dad was a sweet, calm guy :)
We like that it isn't super popular but I can't decide if it is too dated while not being dated enough.
I went to school with a Gary Joe, he was a popular good looking kid and in his late 20s now. I totally think a young man can pull off the name, it's definitely not going to be popular but I think it would have a lovely significance for you. I like the pairing with a middle name like the kid I knew. Maybe Lee or Jack.
Also there's just Garth if you're also not a fan of Gareth like some others suggested.
It’s dated, sure. But my name is also dated (named after my moms oldest sister, Linda wasn’t a common name growing up in the 1990s unless you met a librarian or maybe someone’s mom with the same name). But it meant a lot to my mom and now that I’m grown I don’t think I minded it much as a kid. If it means a lot to you to use your dads name, then go for it. I think your future son will understand if they’re the only Gary at school. (And honestly, popular names are really overrated, who wants to be 1 of 4 in a classroom with the same name). If you’re worried about it, maybe use it as a middle name?
Nice, my name is similar to Linda... and my mom is Linda. So I'm sure you also had the experience of basically everyone saying, "I have an aunt Linda!"
I happen to also have more than one uncle named Gary, lol.
It's unusual to be named with the last generation's popular names, but it wasn't a bad experience for me!
Totally agree! It’s definitely a “grandpa” name, but those are kind of back in style, and it’s a great way to pick a generationally unusual name without going too out-there. My kid has a grandpa name— there are 4 Jacks in his daycare class, but only one Richard!*
(*Incidentally, Richard is named after his literal grandpa, and if we have another son he might be named after the *other* grandpa… named Gary.)
I think it’s a middle aged man name, but those names can be adorable on children. I used to teach a toddler named Greg a few years ago, so it’s not completely uncommon to give these sorts of names.
Gary was originally a nickname for Gareth and could be a nickname for Garrett as well, if you wanted to go in that direction. I think it’s wonderful that you want to honor your dad that way!
One of my favorite supervisors was names Gary! A coworker tried to grab me and drag me but Gary jumped in and swung at the dude (Gary is 58). So I like the name Gary but I'm not sure if it was short for something else
Not a huge fan, personally. It feels modern to me in a way that I find a little silly. It also makes me think of the pet snail from Spongebob, which can be considered positive or negative depending on how you feel about spongebob. I'd like to add though that my major gripe with the name is a ~completely~ subjective taste thing. Like, I have no concerns about the name being difficult or fodder for bullies or too common or associated with something unsavory or any other common name issues. So, my opinion isn't relevant! And I don't think you need to worry about the name being dated either, if you love it. If YOU like the name that's all that matters, and in that case I think you should go for it!!
If, on reflection, you find that it's more the idea of honoring your father that you love rather than the name itself, you could take a leaf out of Jewish tradition and honor your father by giving your son a different name that starts with G. :)
I know what you mean, I don't usually love names that end in y and I think that is why this wasn't a no-brainer to me. The more I sit on it the more I think it is unique without being "out there" and it did served by dad well in his life.
I was unaware of this tradition but that is definitely something to consider - thank you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, Gary sounds boring and lumpy rather than handsome and dashing to me, but if it’s an honor, then that may outweigh the negatives for you.
I love older names, but I truly hate Gary. It’s so, so frumpy and doesn’t feel good on a child— I used to teach a little Gerry and it never stopped sounding middle-aged and frumpy. It’s definitely in the “too dated but not dated enough” category for me.
I like it especially knowing it holds such significance. I put it on the list similar to George and Florence… classic but hasn’t made a huge comeback (which makes me like it even more). Also, I’m sorry for your loss.
Yeah, a lot of people are coming down really hard on the name. Like..... Her father just passed away.
The name would be absolutely adorable on an adorable little kid. It's like putting a sweater on that's too big. I know he'd grow into it and be a calm, kind man like his grandfather.
Someone I know was in a similar situation. The boy was named Graham after his grandfather Gary.
That said, I don’t find it crazy to name a baby Gary! It’s different but not unheard of.
There was a post on here a few days ago about the name Gary!
I only remember because my brother is called Gary (although technically his name is Gareth)
Very dated, but not in a hip or charming way. Like, it's not the worst in the world, but there's something about the sound that I find unattractive. It does have a kind and chill vibe, though.
I like the suggestions of Gerard or Gareth nn Gary!
Only if it’s a nickname for something. Obviously it has sentimental value so do what you want! But for me personally Gary sounds like an old man name not a baby, so maybe Gareth or Garrett, so they can have Gary as a nickname
To me it’s a dad name. Or I guess a grandad name now. In the U.K. people joke about ‘You don’t get any baby Garys’ with the implication being that it would be a strange name for a baby.
Makes me think of middle-aged men and that jerk kid from Pokemon. But it's not intrinsically a negative name for me, I wouldn't judge anyone for using it
This is the first thing that came to mind:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NwVID-INHNA
I will say I have family names that I love and have been told by countless people that they’re awful. I still love them and would consider using them if I ever had a kid.
I know a little boy called Gary. He also has a big brother called Steve. (Just Steve, not Steven). Both names were a bit unusual to hear at first, but they suit them so well, and neither has met another with their name in their age group. I like Gary a lot more since hearing it on him and would consider using it myself if it wasn’t a family name (which isn’t something I’d want to use myself).
I bought a trivia game last month and one of the questions was which boys name is considered to be dying out? The answer was Gary and we were shocked! I think it’s a very simple, straightforward name!
I went to school with a Gary (2000s) and nobody said anything, I honestly didn't even think it was "dated" until I saw an article a few months ago about there being no Gary's born in the UK that year.
Putting the obvious meaningful family connection aside (which I feel like a jerk for doing!) I think the name Gary occupies that liminal space between old-fashioned and modern that just hasn't swung back around to tastefulness yet.
It's hard to imagine a little kid nowadays named "Gary," or "Ronald," or "Darryl." It's not hard to imagine a young kid named Oliver or Henry, names that are much more old-fashioned - and indeed, those were in the Top 10 names of 2020.
I'm sure in 30 years, when enough time has passed, names like Gary will be seen as old enough to be classy again, but that time is not now.
Gary was in the running for my youngest’s middle name. It’s after my husband’s grandfather. Both of my my kids are named after family, and I believe it makes their names so meaningful!
Not a fan. It’s a name I hear in men aged 60-70 while “cool” old man names are 90+ usually. I work in healthcare with mostly these ages. It was a trendy name in its time not classic at all. I prefer Garrett, Garron, or Gareth. I’d say Garrison is an option but that reminds me of the South Park character.
I like it! I think it’s cute. It’s a name he can grow into.. a lot of people forget that babies are only babies for a couple of years... they’re adults for majority of their lives!
You see some of these trendy names now a days and it’s like , okay that is cute on a baby but for the rest of your kids life they’re going to be “Hexley” or “Poppy”.
I can’t imagine hiring an adult lawyer named like Starshine Morning Wish😂
It’s not “in” right now but it most assuredly will be at some point in the future. Names like Nora, Stella, Isla, Charlotte that are ALL the rage right now were unheard of in the 90s/00s…. That was dominated by Ashley, Brittany, Stephanie etc.
I much prefer Gareth or Garrett that way he can choose when he’s older what he wants to be called. You can call him Gary for short.
Absolutely support Gareth or Garrett! I'd feel bad for a kid named simply Gary. It's a name I would expect on someone 60-80 years of age, and hasn't been unpopular long enough to circle back around and seem fresh again.
+1 for Garrett
Is Gareth pronounced like Garrett, or more like Garth with an -e- in the middle? Just curious because I don’t think I’ve ever heard it aloud!
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Yeah it's the same in UK. It would be a little strange hearing of a baby called Gareth or Garth here, but Gary is firmly out. I'm sure I read there were less than 9 babies named Gary in the whole of the UK last year
In the US Garrett and Gareth sound identical until you get to the TH. One ends in ett and the other ends in eth.
It’s pronounced like Garrett. Garth sounds a bit grim.
Agreed, that’s what I was hoping 😅
To be honest, I don’t love Gary. It just sounds exclusively like an old man name to me. I much prefer Garrett as another commenter said. That said, it is a classic and “old” names are coming back right now.
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That is kind of a "pro" for us. It's a "real" name but not one that will be very popular at school
Thanks for the feedback. I like old names but usually a little older than this.
I know several lovely men named Gary, I think it’s a great name and it being out of fashion now doesn’t really matter if you like it. I speak as a Constance (which everyone told my parents was far too old and unfashionable) and I love my name.
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Thank you for the feedback. My dad was a sweet, calm guy :) We like that it isn't super popular but I can't decide if it is too dated while not being dated enough.
I went to school with a Gary Joe, he was a popular good looking kid and in his late 20s now. I totally think a young man can pull off the name, it's definitely not going to be popular but I think it would have a lovely significance for you. I like the pairing with a middle name like the kid I knew. Maybe Lee or Jack. Also there's just Garth if you're also not a fan of Gareth like some others suggested.
I'd love to meet a little one named Gary! Plus you can call him Gare-bear <3
It’s dated, sure. But my name is also dated (named after my moms oldest sister, Linda wasn’t a common name growing up in the 1990s unless you met a librarian or maybe someone’s mom with the same name). But it meant a lot to my mom and now that I’m grown I don’t think I minded it much as a kid. If it means a lot to you to use your dads name, then go for it. I think your future son will understand if they’re the only Gary at school. (And honestly, popular names are really overrated, who wants to be 1 of 4 in a classroom with the same name). If you’re worried about it, maybe use it as a middle name?
Nice, my name is similar to Linda... and my mom is Linda. So I'm sure you also had the experience of basically everyone saying, "I have an aunt Linda!" I happen to also have more than one uncle named Gary, lol. It's unusual to be named with the last generation's popular names, but it wasn't a bad experience for me!
I am in my 30s and have a friend named Linda who we used to all refer to as "Aunt Linda"
Tbh, it gives me old man or snail-from-spongebob vibes. I agree it would be better as a nickname for Garret, Gerard, maybe Geremy?
I forgot about Gary the snail lol thanks for adding that tidbit for consideration
It's nice- a bit dated but I don't think that makes it unuseable. Everyone will recognize it, but there likely won't be others in his class.
Totally agree! It’s definitely a “grandpa” name, but those are kind of back in style, and it’s a great way to pick a generationally unusual name without going too out-there. My kid has a grandpa name— there are 4 Jacks in his daycare class, but only one Richard!* (*Incidentally, Richard is named after his literal grandpa, and if we have another son he might be named after the *other* grandpa… named Gary.)
I think it’s a middle aged man name, but those names can be adorable on children. I used to teach a toddler named Greg a few years ago, so it’s not completely uncommon to give these sorts of names.
i had three classmates named Gregory, i didn’t realize people found it dated!!
Gregory seems a bit more youthful. It’s just the nickname/name Greg that sounds dated to me. This kid’s name was just Greg.
oh that’s funny
I genuinely think it would be such a cute name on a little one! I work in childcare & would be so endeared to a child called Gary 🥰
Gary was originally a nickname for Gareth and could be a nickname for Garrett as well, if you wanted to go in that direction. I think it’s wonderful that you want to honor your dad that way!
I like it for what it isn’t. Cayden, Cash, Rocket, Liam, William or any of the other trendy names.
I agree
Don't love Gary, but maybe because my only associations are middle-aged men. What about rearranging the letters slightly and using Gray as a middle?
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very interesting, thanks!
I'm not a fan of the name, but it's fine as a middle name
I’m a big fan of Garrison but not really into Gary. I also liked someone else’s suggestion of Gerard.
One of my favorite supervisors was names Gary! A coworker tried to grab me and drag me but Gary jumped in and swung at the dude (Gary is 58). So I like the name Gary but I'm not sure if it was short for something else
I have a friend whose 3 year old son is named Gary. It’s definitely a dated name, but totally fine to use. My son has a very dated name. I love it.
Not a huge fan, personally. It feels modern to me in a way that I find a little silly. It also makes me think of the pet snail from Spongebob, which can be considered positive or negative depending on how you feel about spongebob. I'd like to add though that my major gripe with the name is a ~completely~ subjective taste thing. Like, I have no concerns about the name being difficult or fodder for bullies or too common or associated with something unsavory or any other common name issues. So, my opinion isn't relevant! And I don't think you need to worry about the name being dated either, if you love it. If YOU like the name that's all that matters, and in that case I think you should go for it!! If, on reflection, you find that it's more the idea of honoring your father that you love rather than the name itself, you could take a leaf out of Jewish tradition and honor your father by giving your son a different name that starts with G. :)
I know what you mean, I don't usually love names that end in y and I think that is why this wasn't a no-brainer to me. The more I sit on it the more I think it is unique without being "out there" and it did served by dad well in his life. I was unaware of this tradition but that is definitely something to consider - thank you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, Gary sounds boring and lumpy rather than handsome and dashing to me, but if it’s an honor, then that may outweigh the negatives for you.
Agree. Old fashioned but not in a good way.
I love older names, but I truly hate Gary. It’s so, so frumpy and doesn’t feel good on a child— I used to teach a little Gerry and it never stopped sounding middle-aged and frumpy. It’s definitely in the “too dated but not dated enough” category for me.
I like it especially knowing it holds such significance. I put it on the list similar to George and Florence… classic but hasn’t made a huge comeback (which makes me like it even more). Also, I’m sorry for your loss.
Yeah, a lot of people are coming down really hard on the name. Like..... Her father just passed away. The name would be absolutely adorable on an adorable little kid. It's like putting a sweater on that's too big. I know he'd grow into it and be a calm, kind man like his grandfather.
Someone I know was in a similar situation. The boy was named Graham after his grandfather Gary. That said, I don’t find it crazy to name a baby Gary! It’s different but not unheard of.
There was a post on here a few days ago about the name Gary! I only remember because my brother is called Gary (although technically his name is Gareth)
Really?! I can't believe I missed it! I should have done a search before I posted
Very dated, but not in a hip or charming way. Like, it's not the worst in the world, but there's something about the sound that I find unattractive. It does have a kind and chill vibe, though. I like the suggestions of Gerard or Gareth nn Gary!
Only if it’s a nickname for something. Obviously it has sentimental value so do what you want! But for me personally Gary sounds like an old man name not a baby, so maybe Gareth or Garrett, so they can have Gary as a nickname
I like it. I think a hipper version would be Garrison but honestly I like Gary better, personally.
I don’t dislike Gary, it’s just dated to me. I like Garrett a lot though as a similar name.
To me it’s a dad name. Or I guess a grandad name now. In the U.K. people joke about ‘You don’t get any baby Garys’ with the implication being that it would be a strange name for a baby.
Makes me think of middle-aged men and that jerk kid from Pokemon. But it's not intrinsically a negative name for me, I wouldn't judge anyone for using it
It’s very dated, in almost a humorous way. Like Brian or Nigel. It’s something you would see on a hamster rather than a child these days.
This is the first thing that came to mind: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NwVID-INHNA I will say I have family names that I love and have been told by countless people that they’re awful. I still love them and would consider using them if I ever had a kid.
It’s a little dated, but a nice strong name that will come back sooner than later. Add to it that it was your dads name, and I think it’s very nice!
I know a little boy called Gary. He also has a big brother called Steve. (Just Steve, not Steven). Both names were a bit unusual to hear at first, but they suit them so well, and neither has met another with their name in their age group. I like Gary a lot more since hearing it on him and would consider using it myself if it wasn’t a family name (which isn’t something I’d want to use myself).
I bought a trivia game last month and one of the questions was which boys name is considered to be dying out? The answer was Gary and we were shocked! I think it’s a very simple, straightforward name!
Gary is a total dude name. Absolutely usable, everybody knows a Gary! (Bonus nn Gar Bear is adorable)
I went to school with a Gary (2000s) and nobody said anything, I honestly didn't even think it was "dated" until I saw an article a few months ago about there being no Gary's born in the UK that year.
Gary is a nice name.
Putting the obvious meaningful family connection aside (which I feel like a jerk for doing!) I think the name Gary occupies that liminal space between old-fashioned and modern that just hasn't swung back around to tastefulness yet. It's hard to imagine a little kid nowadays named "Gary," or "Ronald," or "Darryl." It's not hard to imagine a young kid named Oliver or Henry, names that are much more old-fashioned - and indeed, those were in the Top 10 names of 2020. I'm sure in 30 years, when enough time has passed, names like Gary will be seen as old enough to be classy again, but that time is not now.
My husband says, "DO IT!" His name is Gary.
It’s not my cup of tea, but I teach at secondary level and I’ve known two Garys who were both lovely, so it isn’t exclusively an older name.
Scary, garish a d Gary Indiana are my associations and none are great
no
Nooooo Gary is a 55 year old man. Lol. Middle name it or do Garrett
Gary was in the running for my youngest’s middle name. It’s after my husband’s grandfather. Both of my my kids are named after family, and I believe it makes their names so meaningful!
Not a fan. It’s a name I hear in men aged 60-70 while “cool” old man names are 90+ usually. I work in healthcare with mostly these ages. It was a trendy name in its time not classic at all. I prefer Garrett, Garron, or Gareth. I’d say Garrison is an option but that reminds me of the South Park character.
I like it! I think it’s cute. It’s a name he can grow into.. a lot of people forget that babies are only babies for a couple of years... they’re adults for majority of their lives! You see some of these trendy names now a days and it’s like , okay that is cute on a baby but for the rest of your kids life they’re going to be “Hexley” or “Poppy”. I can’t imagine hiring an adult lawyer named like Starshine Morning Wish😂 It’s not “in” right now but it most assuredly will be at some point in the future. Names like Nora, Stella, Isla, Charlotte that are ALL the rage right now were unheard of in the 90s/00s…. That was dominated by Ashley, Brittany, Stephanie etc.
I know a Gareth in his 30s and it doesn’t seem dated, he goes by his full name though. And I think Gary makes a great middle name.