Garrett is a name of English origin, derived from the Old Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "mann" meaning "man". Therefore, the name Garrett means "strong as a spear". This name has been in use for centuries and was popularized by several notable figures throughout history.
The first recorded instance of the name Garrett can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as a Norman surname. However, its usage as a given name did not become widespread until the Middle Ages. During this time, many variations of the name began to emerge, including Gerard, Gerald, and Gerold.
One notable figure who bore the name Garrett was Garrett of Clairvaux, also known as Saint Garrett. He was a French abbot and churchman who lived in the 12th century. Saint Garrett is revered for his piety and holiness, and he was canonized by Pope Urban VIII in 1640.
Another famous Garrett was Sir Thomas Garret, who served as the Lord Mayor of London from 1435 to 1436. He was a wealthy merchant and a prominent figure during the Wars of the Roses. Sir Thomas Garret's family was one of the most powerful in medieval England, and many members bore the name Garrett.
Today, Garrett continues to be a popular given name for boys. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys since the 1980s. However, its popularity has varied over time, with peaks occurring in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
In summary, Garrett is a name of English origin that means "strong as a spear". Its usage can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and it has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. Today, it remains a popular choice for boys' names in English-speaking countries around the world.
The name Garrett has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the past three decades in the United States. Between 1990 and 2022, there were a total of 132 babies named Garrett at birth.
The years with the highest number of newborns named Garrett were 2000 and 2021, with 8 births each. These peak years suggest that the name may have experienced a brief resurgence in popularity during these periods.
Conversely, there were several years when the name Garrett was less popular, including 1990, 1991, and 2003, with only 5 births each. Additionally, there were years like 1997 and 2001 where the number of newborns named Garrett dropped to a low of 6.
Interestingly, the name's popularity has not been consistent over time. For instance, after peaking at 8 births in 2000, it fell back down to 5 births each in 2001 and 2002 before rising again to 8 births in 2005.
Overall, while Garrett may not be one of the most popular names in the United States over this period, its popularity has fluctuated significantly, with several periods of relative highs and lows.