Gerry

♂ Boy

Pronounced GAIR-ee /ˈɡɛr.i/High

Meaning: A pet form of Gerald/Gerard — from the Germanic ger, 'a spear', + wald, 'rule' (Gerald) or hard, 'brave/hardy' (Gerard), hence 'a spear-ruler; brave with a spear'Low

In 30 seconds: A spear-ruler; brave with a spear: Gerry is a pet form of Gerald. Crisp, retro, and warm.

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Origin LowGermanic

MeaningA pet form of Gerald/Gerard — from the Germanic ger, 'a spear', + wald, 'rule' (Gerald) or hard, 'brave/hardy' (Gerard), hence 'a spear-ruler; brave with a spear'

U.S. rank (2025)#9186 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1958

Total births (all-time)≈ 14,468

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

Gerry is a pet form of Gerald/Gerard — from the Germanic ger, 'a spear', + wald, 'rule' (Gerald) or hard, 'brave/hardy' (Gerard), hence 'a spear-ruler; brave with a spear'. A crisp, retro name (said 'GAIR-ee').

In the U.S. it peaked mid-century and is now retro. A-spear-ruler at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Gerald joins the Germanic ger, 'a spear', and wald, 'rule', hence 'a spear-ruler' — Gerry is the crisp pet form, retro and warm (said 'GAIR-ee').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Gerald — pet form

Variations

JerryGerrieGery

Nicknames

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If you like Gerry…

Jerry— a kin spelling

Gerald— a source name

Gerard— a source name

Gary— a sound-neighbor Ge- boys' name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Gerry mean?

Gerry is a pet form of Gerald/Gerard — Germanic 'a spear-ruler; brave with a spear'.

How do you pronounce Gerry?

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

Is Gerry a boy or girl name?

Gerry is a boy's name (also used for girls as a form of Geraldine).

How popular is Gerry?

Gerry is a rare name today, retro.