What does Gentry mean and where does it come from?
The name Gentry is derived from the English word referring to people of gentle birth, originally denoting a social class of well-bred individuals. It is relatively modern as a given name, possibly gaining popularity in the 20th century in the United States. The term has a historical connection to th
Cultural significance
Gentry has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #1443 in 2018 — currently #1417 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gentry?
Gentry works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gentry Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gentry Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gentry Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gentry Claire
French influence · crisp
Gentry Jane
Literary · strong
Gentry Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gentry right now?
Falling — down 62 spots — currently #1417 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1417 | 129 | ▼ down 62 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #1355 | 138 | ▼ down 170 · -17% births |
| 2021 | #1185 | 166 | ▲ up 479 · +36% births |
| 2020 | #1664 | 122 | ▲ up 174 · +9% births |
| 2015 | #1838 | 112 | ▲ up 676 · +53% births |
| 2010 | #2514 | 73 | ▲ up 1301 · +92% births |
| 2005 | #3815 | 38 | ▲ up 842 · +52% births |
| 2000 | #4657 | 25 | ▼ down 863 · -11% births |
| 1995 | #3794 | 28 | ▲ up 908 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #4702 | 20 | ▼ down 1176 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #3526 | 24 | ▼ down 308 · -8% births |
| 1980 | #3218 | 26 | ▲ up 4003 · +271% births |
| 1975 | #7221 | 7 | ▼ down 2705 · -42% births |
| 1970 | #4516 | 12 | ▲ up 121 · +140% births |
| 1945 | #4637 | 5 | — |
The story of Gentry
Gentry entered American naming records in 1934 and has been in use for over 90 years. With 5,909 total births recorded, Gentry remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4637 in 1945 to #1417 in 2023. Gentry is used for both genders: 38% female and 62% male.
Names that peaked alongside Gentry in 2018:
Gentry by decade
Gentry peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 13 | |
| 1910s | 128 | |
| 1920s | 181 | |
| 1930s | 147 | |
| 1940s | 147 | |
| 1950s | 175 | |
| 1960s | 238 | |
| 1970s | 404 | |
| 1980s | 557 | |
| 1990s | 663 | |
| 2000s | 915 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,081 | |
| 2020s | 255 | |
💎With 5,909 total births, Gentry is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Gentry?
What names sound and feel like Gentry?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gentry also consider these
Common questions about the name Gentry
What does the name Gentry mean?
Gentry means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Gentry?
Gentry is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Gentry?
Gentry originates from American tradition. American 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 Gentry?
Gentry is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EH1 N T R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gentry a common or rare name?
Gentry is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.