Gary
GAIR-ee
A modern name that rose in English from a surname, ultimately tied to the old Roman name Lucius in the excerpted source.
Meaning
In the excerpt, Gary is linked to Lucius Gary, Viscount Falkland, which suggests the name came into use through a family surname rather than as a very old standalone given name. The deeper root behind the excerpt’s discussion is Latin Lucius, a classic Roman name traditionally associated with light; the passage also notes related forms such as Lucio and Luzio in Italy.
Origin
EnglishLatinmasculine
Fun fact
The source says the name was made honorable by Lucius Gary, Viscount Falkland, but still “has not become common.”
Confidence: mixed. Sources: History of Christian Names.