Gary Dahl

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Gary Dahl — spear carrier
975K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Gary Dahl is a name combining French origins, bringing together "spear carrier" (Gary) with "valley" (Dahl). The first name Gary is a masculine given name of French origin. Gary and Garry are English language masculine given names. Gary is likely derived from the Norman French name Geiree, itself descended from the Old Frankish name Geiserich, composed of two elements: "*gaizaz" (spear, pike, javelin) plus "*rīkijaz" (kingly, royal). A variant form of Gary is Garry, the spelling of which has been influenced by that of Barry. An informal pet form of Gary is Gaz, a variant of which is Gazza. A given name associated with Gary and Garry is Garrison; the latter is sometimes borne by sons of men bearing the former names. The surname Dahl: Dahl or Dahle is a surname of Germanic origin. Dahl, which means valley in the North Germanic languages (tal in German, dale in northern England English), is common in Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the Faroe Islands. The origin of the German forms Dahl and Dahle may have been in medieval Westphalia. In Germany about 11 places are called Dahl. In the Netherlands, a suburb of the city of Nijmegen (which in turn is named after an old estate in the area) is called "Heyerdaal" (also spelled as "Heijerdaal"), in which "daal" also means "valley". Gary is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 975K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Gary reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Gary

Meaning: spear carrier

French

Gary and Garry are English language masculine given names. Gary is likely derived from the Norman French name Geiree, itself descended from the Old Frankish name Geiserich, composed of two elements: "*gaizaz" (spear, pike, javelin) plus "*rīkijaz" (kingly, royal). A variant form of Gary is Garry, the spelling of which has been influenced by that of Barry. An informal pet form of Gary is Gaz, a variant of which is Gazza. A given name associated with Gary and Garry is Garrison; the latter is sometimes borne by sons of men bearing the former names.

Surname: Dahl

Meaning: valley

Germanic

Dahl or Dahle is a surname of Germanic origin. Dahl, which means valley in the North Germanic languages (tal in German, dale in northern England English), is common in Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the Faroe Islands. The origin of the German forms Dahl and Dahle may have been in medieval Westphalia. In Germany about 11 places are called Dahl. In the Netherlands, a suburb of the city of Nijmegen (which in turn is named after an old estate in the area) is called "Heyerdaal" (also spelled as "Heijerdaal"), in which "daal" also means "valley".

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Gary is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Gary by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Gary Dahl:

4
Expression Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

2
Soul Urge Number

Cooperation and sensitivity. A diplomatic, gentle nature with strong empathy, thriving in partnerships and harmony.

11
Personality Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Gary?
The first name Gary originates from French. Gary and Garry are English language masculine given names. Gary is likely derived from the Norman French name Geiree, itself descended from the Old Frankish name Geiserich, composed of two elements: "*gaizaz" (spear, pike, javelin) plus "*rīkijaz" (kingly, royal). A variant form of Gary is Garry, the spelling of which has been influenced by that of Barry. An informal pet form of Gary is Gaz, a variant of which is Gazza. A given name associated with Gary and Garry is Garrison; the latter is sometimes borne by sons of men bearing the former names.
When was Gary most popular?
The name Gary reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Dahl?
The surname Dahl originates from Germanic. Dahl or Dahle is a surname of Germanic origin. Dahl, which means valley in the North Germanic languages (tal in German, dale in northern England English), is common in Germany, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and the Faroe Islands. The origin of the German forms Dahl and Dahle may have been in medieval Westphalia. In Germany about 11 places are called Dahl. In the Netherlands, a suburb of the city of Nijmegen (which in turn is named after an old estate in the area) is called "Heyerdaal" (also spelled as "Heijerdaal"), in which "daal" also means "valley".
What are the origins of the name Gary Dahl?
The name Gary Dahl combines two different traditions: the first name Gary has French roots, while the surname Dahl originates from Germanic.
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