Barry - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's and girl's name Barry \b(ar)-ry\ is pronounced BARE-ee. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "fair-haired". Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Barra, from Bairre (Old Irish), a short form of "fionnbharr", meaning "fair-haired" (see Finbar). Also possibly from Bearach (Irish, Gaelic) "spear; sharp, pointed". Saint Bairre (seventh century) founded a monastery that became the city of Cork in Ireland. Possibly influenced by the fame of Sir James Barrie, author of "Peter Pan". Baz and Bazza (Australian informal) are pet forms. Senator Barry M. Goldwater; film director Baz Lurhmann; singer Barry Manilow; baseball player Barry Bonds.

Barry has 9 variant forms: Bari, Barree, Barrey, Barrie, Barrington, Baris, Baz, Bazz and Berry.

For more information, see also related names Barnett and Barrett.

Baby names that sound like Barry are Barr and Parry.

Barry is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Barry. Click here to compare Barry with related baby names.