National Gary Day

A group of people wearing shirts that say 'Gary' in bright colors, laughing and enjoying each other's company at a lively outdoor gathering with banners and balloons in the background.. — National gary day illustration

Get ready and take a deep breath, because it's time for a fun-filled trivia tour through the historic courtyards of National Gary Day. (No, we are not playing tricks on you, honest!)

When is Gary Day?

It's national gary day on the 8th December.

What's in a Name?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, you might be asking yourself – what on earth is National Gary Day? Well, take a seat and lend an ear because it's quite the tale. National Gary Day is a whimsical internet creation - and boy, did it cause a chorus of delight when it first stepped onto the stage on December 8th, 2015, capturing the hearts of many a Gary (and non-Gary) worldwide.

A Salute to All Garys

Essentially, National Gary Day is like an exclusive party where all the Garys of the world get to revel in the brilliance of their name. It's a day filled with laughter, reminiscences and, most importantly, connections. But here's the kicker - you actually don't need to be a Gary to celebrate! You just need to appreciate the charm, uniqueness and, let's not forget, the wit that comes with being a Gary (or knowing one).

Why December 8th?

Now, you're probably wondering why December 8th got to be the luckiest date of all? Well, we'd love to say there's some elaborate folklore behind it, but alas, it appears to basically boil down to - why not? In a world where Cats have their own day and even Donut gets a special shoutout (true story!), why not carve out 24 hours for the admirable name of Gary?

How to Celebrate?

If you're stuck on how to mark the magnificence of National Gary Day, fear not! You could cook a Gary's favorite meal, send a quirky Gary-themed gift, or even organize a (virtual!) party with all your favorite Garys presiding in grandeur. Bonus points if you can score an invitation to the 'Gary-only' Facebook group.

History behind the term 'Gary'

1923

Birth of Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper was born on May 7, 1901, in Helena, Montana. He went on to become a renowned American actor who achieved great success in Hollywood. Cooper's performances in films such as 'High Noon' and 'Sergeant York' earned him several Academy Awards and cemented his status as a legendary figure in the film industry.

1939

Gary Cooper's iconic role as 'The Gary'

In 1939, Gary Cooper starred in the classic film 'Beau Geste,' where he played the lead role of 'Beau Geste.' The film featured Cooper as a heroic, stoic, and charismatic character named Gary. His portrayal of 'The Gary' captivated audiences and became an iconic representation of strength, integrity, and bravery.

1950

Popularity of the character 'Gary' in films

During the 1950s, the character name 'Gary' gained popularity in Hollywood films. Numerous movies featured characters named Gary, often portrayed as loyal friends, love interests, or even villains. This surge in the use of the name 'Gary' in films contributed to its recognition and association with diverse character traits and storylines.

1970

Gary as a commonly used male given name

By the 1970s, 'Gary' emerged as a widely used male given name. Inspired by the popularity of Gary Cooper and the portrayal of memorable characters named Gary, parents began naming their sons 'Gary' more frequently. The name retained its cultural significance due to its association with the silver screen and its representation of various personalities.

2018

'Gary' as a slang term

In contemporary times, the term 'Gary' has gained slang usage in certain parts of the world. Derived from British slang, 'Gary' is sometimes used as a derogatory term to describe someone who is perceived to be unintelligent or socially inept. It's important to note that the slang usage of 'Gary' should not overshadow its rich cultural history and positive associations established through the years.

Did you know?

Even though Gary might be a relatively common name, there's no official record of a 'National Gary Day' before it was mentioned online in 2015. So really, the internet helped bring all the Garys of the world a bit closer!