Garth is a name of Old English origin, derived from the word "gar", which means "spear". It is also associated with the Old Norse name "Guthormr", which means "spear warrior". The name Garth was particularly popular during the Middle Ages in England and Scotland. It was often used as a given name but could also be found as a surname. In some cases, it was used interchangeably with other names of similar meaning, such as Gareth or Garreth. Today, Garth is still used as a given name, though it is not as common as it once was. It is considered to be a strong and traditional name that carries a sense of history and heritage.
The name Garth has been a popular choice among parents in the United States for over a century. Between 1906 and 2023, there were a total of 9,641 babies named Garth born in the U.S.
The peak years for the name Garth were during the mid-20th century. In 1954, there were a record-breaking 268 births, which was more than double the number of births in any other year prior or since. This trend continued into the early 1960s, with 239 births in 1964 being the second-highest total ever recorded.
However, after 1975, the popularity of the name Garth began to decline steadily. Between 1982 and 1989, there were fewer than 100 babies named Garth born each year. This downward trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, with only a handful of births recorded annually.
Despite this significant decrease in popularity, the name Garth has remained a consistent choice among parents over time. Between 2016 and 2023 alone, there were at least 87 babies named Garth born each year, showing that while it may not be as popular as it once was, the name still holds some appeal for modern parents.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Garth has fluctuated significantly over time, its enduring presence in American birth records serves as a testament to its timelessness and enduring appeal among parents.