Declining since 1985, #1,520 for boys today.
Popularity of Barry since 1883
Babies named Barry per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 28 |
| 1890s | 38 |
| 1900s | 72 |
| 1910s | 244 |
| 1920s | 741 |
| 1930s | 6,644 |
| 1940s | 36,192 |
| 1950s | 54,812 |
| 1960s | 47,221 |
| 1970s | 17,246 |
| 1980s | 9,922 |
| 1990s | 4,224 |
| 2000s | 1,831 |
| 2010s | 1,326 |
| 2020s | 729 |
Meaning & origin
Barry is a classic Irish name that saw its greatest popularity in the mid-20th century, ranking as high as #1520 in 1962 at its peak. In 2025, it ranked 1520 with a frequency of 1 in 14,983 births, reflecting a significant decline from its heyday. The name has been on a downward trajectory since at least 1985, consistent with the broader trend of traditional names falling out of fashion. Top states for Barry include Ohio, North Carolina, and California, suggesting a broad but fading appeal. Despite its decline, Barry retains a strong cultural presence and remains a familiar choice for those seeking a short, straightforward Irish name.
Barry is an anglicized form of the Irish name Bairre, which is a diminutive of Fionnbharr (from fionn 'fair' and barr 'head'). It has been used in Ireland for centuries, but gained widespread popularity in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, partly influenced by the fame of American composer Barry Manilow and actor Barry Keoghan.
Where Barry is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Barry” around the world
Where Barry lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bar
Sibling names for Barry
Names that share Barry's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Megan, Erin, Catherine, Kelly, Lauren, Shari, Sherrie, Sherry, Terri, Charla, Geri, Lorri, Lyndi, Merry, Ronna, Carri, Dalene, Karri, Karry, Merri, Perri, Sandee, Sharie, Barri, Scherry, Sharrie, Sheril, Sherre, Terria, Terryn, Teryl, Sharra, Sherrin, Tarri, Terie, Barabara, Cheryal, Farra, Lacheryl, Larie, Rexann, Sherilee, Sherion
Brothers: Kevin, Brian, Sean, Patrick, Timothy, Gary, Gerry, Larry, Randy, Bart, Daron, Darron, Garry, Jeryl, Perry, Torry, Arnie, Darry, Darryll, Daryle, Daryll, Garey, Geary, Larrie, Lary, Terryl, Daryel, Derryl, Gery, Jarrel, Karron, Tarry, Darrly, Denney, Larri, Daril, Dary, Jarry, Jerryl
Names like Barry
Names whose popularity has moved with Barry's over the last 50 years.
