Geary

“Spear ruler”

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1693US 2023

507Births / yr

→Stable

2.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 191600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Geary

GIR·ee

/ˈɡɪr.iː/ · stress on GIR · 2 syllables

“Spear ruler”

Ireland origin · Boy name

What does Geary mean and where does it come from?

The name Geary has Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic name 'O'Guaire' meaning 'descendant of Guaire.' Historically, Guaire was a king in Irish mythology. The name Geary has been used in Ireland for centuries and later gained traction in the United States, particularly amongst the Irish immigrant

Cultural significance

Geary has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of spear ruler.

Peak popularity

Reached #495 in 1953 — currently #1693 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Geary?

Geary works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Geary Grace

How popular is Geary right now?

Holding steady — currently #1693 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#1693 · Top 1.2%

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1693	507	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1698	487	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1703	457	▲ up 8807 · +9040% births
2000	#10510	5	▼ down 3181 · -17% births
1990	#7329	6	▼ down 4345 · -62% births
1985	#2984	16	▼ down 507 · -20% births
1980	#2477	20	▼ down 225
1975	#2252	20	▼ down 220
1970	#2032	20	▼ down 417 · -17% births
1965	#1615	24	▼ down 74 · -14% births
1960	#1541	28	▼ down 848 · -75% births
1955	#693	112	▼ down 26 · +2% births
1950	#667	110	▲ up 196 · +108% births
1945	#863	53	▲ up 269 · +51% births
1940	#1132	35	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Geary

Best Year1950Rank #667

Peak Count507

Average Rank#2755

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 202318 years

The story of Geary

Geary entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 2,456 total births recorded, Geary remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3367 in 1925 to #1693 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Geary in 1953:

Robert James Michael John David

Geary by decade

Geary peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	11
1920s	29
1930s	117
1940s	451
1950s ★	1,151
1960s	268
1970s	206
1980s	142
1990s	56
2000s	20
2010s	5

💎With 2,456 total births, Geary is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Geary?

Common

GeaGeieGey

What names sound and feel like Geary?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Geary also consider these

Leary

Ireland · Derived from the

Gerry

Ireland · Spearman

Peary

American · Son of the

Keary

Irish · A beloved name

Ireland · Descendant of the

Gery

France · spear ruler

Common questions about the name Geary

What does the name Geary mean?

Geary means "Spear ruler" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Geary?

Geary is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Geary?

Geary originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Geary?

Geary is a two-syllable name pronounced G IH1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Geary a common or rare name?

Geary is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.