Barry \b(ar)-ry\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Barry), is pronounced BARE-ee. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Barry is "fair-haired". Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Barra, from Bairre (Old Irish), a short form of "fionnbharr", meaning "fair-haired" (see Finbar). Also possibly from Bearach (Irish, Gaelic) "spear; sharp, pointed". Saint Bairre (seventh century) founded a monastery that became the city of Cork in Ireland. Possibly influenced by the fame of Sir James Barrie, author of "Peter Pan". Baz and Bazza (Australian informal) are pet forms. Senator Barry M. Goldwater; film director Baz Lurhmann; singer Barry Manilow; baseball player Barry Bonds.
Barry has 9 variant forms: Bari, Barree, Barrey, Barrie, Barrington, Baris, Baz, Bazz and Berry.
For more information, see also related names Barnett and Barrett.