Barry (name)

Barry is a masculine given name of Irish origin. It is a variant of the name Bartholomew, ultimately derived from the Aramaic name בר־תולמי (Bar-Talmai), meaning "son of Talmai". The name's popularity has fluctuated throughout history, experiencing periods of greater and lesser usage in different countries and time periods.

Etymology

The name Barry's connection to Bartholomew is well-established. Bartholomew itself comes from the Aramaic name meaning "son of Talmai". While the specific meaning of "Talmai" is debated, it is generally understood to be a personal name of Hebrew origin. Over time, Bartholomew was shortened and evolved into various forms, including Barry.

Variations

The name Barry has several variations and related names, including:

• Bartholomew: The original and fuller form of the name.
• Barnaby: Another shortened form of Bartholomew.
• Barrie: A similar-sounding variant.

Cultural Significance

While not directly associated with any specific prominent figures or events in a widespread, commonly known way, the name Barry has been borne by numerous individuals across various fields and cultures throughout history. Its relative simplicity and ease of pronunciation have likely contributed to its continued use.

Demographics

The popularity of the name Barry has varied across different regions and time periods. Data on its prevalence is readily available through various demographic sources and will often show fluctuations dependent on trends in naming conventions.

See also

• Bartholomew
• Barnaby
• List of given names