Landry

History & Origin

Landry is a French surname derived from a Germanic given name, composed of land (land, territory) and ric (power, ruler), meaning ruler of the land or one who is powerful in the domain. It was a given name in medieval Frankish culture and became a French surname. The name is found in France particularly in Brittany and Normandy, where Germanic Frankish influence was strong in the early medieval period. Several French saints bore the name Landry, including the 7th-century bishop Landry of Paris.

In the United States, Landry is strongly associated with Tom Landry (1924–2000), the legendary Dallas Cowboys head coach, which gave it a Texan and footballing cultural identity. As a given name it was used primarily as a surname tribute for boys, but in the 21st century has crossed to girls as well — following the same path as Kennedy, Reagan, and Presley. Parents who choose Landry for girls often appreciate its strength, its two-syllable flow, and its slight country-chic quality. It has grown steadily in girls birth records since the 2010s.