Leary

“Derived from the Gaelic name 'O'Leathlobhair', meaning 'descendant of Leathlobhar', which translates to 'the half-bald'.” — Associated with the Leary family lineage

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 92% boys♀ 8% girls

#1894US 2023

306Births / yr

→Stable

210All-time births

📅 Since 191200

How to pronounce Leary

LIR·ee

/ˈlɪr.iː/ · stress on LIR · 2 syllables

“Derived from the Gaelic name 'O'Leathlobhair', meaning 'descendant of Leathlobhar', which translates to 'the half-bald'.”

Associated with the Leary family lineage · Ireland origin

What does Leary mean and where does it come from?

Leary, commonly used as both a given name and surname, originates from Irish roots. The name has a historical footprint in Ireland, especially associated with the Leary family lineage. In the United States, it became more commonly used in the 20th century, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, of

Cultural significance

Leary has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the gaelic name 'o'leathlobhair', meaning 'descendant of leathlobhar', which translates to 'the half-bald'..

Peak popularity

Reached #2943 in 1912 — currently #1894 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Leary?

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

Leary Grace

How popular is Leary right now?

Holding steady — currently #1894 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1894 · Top 1.4%

1920

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1894	306	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2022	#1899	286	▲ up 5 · +12% births
2021	#1904	256	▲ up 3335 · +5020% births
1920	#5239	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Leary

Best Year2023Rank #1894

Peak Count306

Average Rank#2734

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1920 - 20234 years

The story of Leary

Leary entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 210 total births recorded, Leary remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5239 in 1920 to #1894 in 2023. Leary is used for both genders: 8% female and 92% male.

Names that peaked alongside Leary in 1912:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Leary by decade

Leary peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	11
1920s	53
1930s	50
1940s ★	61
1950s	24
1960s	11

💎Leary has only 210 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Leary?

Common

LeaLeieLey

What names sound and feel like Leary?

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

Leavy

Ireland · dear one

Geary

Ireland · Spear ruler

Cleary

Ireland · Descendant of the

Leacy

American · A derivative form

Leady

English · derived from 'Lady',

Keary

Irish · A beloved name

Peary

American · Son of the

Eary

American · English

How is Leary written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Leary

What does the name Leary mean?

Leary means "Derived from the Gaelic name 'O'Leathlobhair', meaning 'descendant of Leathlobhar', which translates to 'the half-bald'." — 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 Leary?

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

What is the cultural origin of Leary?

Leary 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 Leary?

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

Is Leary a common or rare name?

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