Geary

♂ Boy

Pronounced GEER-ee /ˈɡɪər.i/Medium

Meaning: Geary is a surname turned given name, generally traced to the Norman personal name Geri or Gary, from a Germanic root ger ('spear'); an Irish surname source is also cited. The exact route is uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A surname as a first name: Geary is often traced to a Norman name from ger, 'spear' (said 'GEER-ee'). The route is uncertain, which we note.

💕 Browse more names

Origin LowEnglish, Germanic

MeaningGeary is a surname turned given name, generally traced to the Norman personal name Geri or Gary, from a Germanic root ger ('spear'); an Irish surname source is also cited. The exact route is uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2011)#12929 ↘ Falling

2011 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1953

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,457

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Geary comes from a surname, most often traced to the Norman personal name Geri or Gary, from a Germanic root meaning 'spear'; an Irish source is also proposed. As a given name it saw modest mid-century use, cresting around 1953. We note the uncertainty in its derivation.

Uncommon now, it keeps a brisk, surname-style air. Sturdy and distinctive.

Did you know? Geary reads as a crisp surname-name, usually tied to a Norman name from the Germanic 'spear', with its quiet peak around 1953 — though the exact route is uncertain, which we note.

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Geary — Surname-name; Norman/Germanic 'spear' or Irish source; route uncertain

Variations

GaryGeareyGeery

Nicknames

GeeGary

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Geary…

Gary— a like Germanic ger- name

Barry— a similar brisk two-beat pick

Garry— a fellow English choice

Cary— lands in the same popularity range

Maury— a fellow English choice

Explore names like Geary

By themeuncertain vintage surname 1950s

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Geary mean?

Geary is a surname-name, most often traced to a Norman name from a Germanic root meaning 'spear'. The exact route is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Geary?

It's said GEER-ee /ˈɡɪər.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Geary a boy or girl name?

Geary is used here as a boy's name.

Is Geary making a comeback?

Geary is uncommon today and reads as a vintage surname-name rather than a current trend.