Gareth is a Welsh name that has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional names like John or William. The name comes from the Welsh word "garw" which means "gentle". However, it was also used as a given name for many of Wales' ancient heroes and kings.
The earliest known use of Gareth as a personal name can be traced back to the 13th century, when it appeared in the Welsh tale "Owainiau", a collection of poems written by the Welsh bard Owain ap Meurig. In these poems, Gareth is portrayed as a nobleman and one of King Arthur's knights.
Throughout history, Gareth has been used as a given name for several notable figures in Wales. One of the most famous was Sir Gareth Williams, a 14th-century Welsh knight who fought against the English at the Battle of Crécy. Despite his bravery in battle, Gareth is also remembered for his kindness and generosity to those around him.
In more recent times, Gareth has been used as a given name for several celebrities, including Welsh rugby player Gareth Edwards and American actor Gareth Bale. These individuals have helped to popularize the name further and make it more widely known outside of Wales.
Overall, Gareth is a strong and dignified name with a rich history in Wales. Its meaning of "gentle" makes it an attractive choice for parents who want their child's name to reflect kindness and compassion. While it may not be as common as some other names, Gareth has a unique charm that sets it apart from the crowd.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Gareth has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest year for which we have data is 1916, with a total of 5 births that year. The number of births fluctuated significantly during the early to mid-20th century, ranging from as low as 9 births in 1924 to as high as 39 births in 1943.
However, it was not until the late 1970s and early 1980s that Gareth began to see consistent growth in popularity. In 1976, there were 31 births, and this number steadily increased over the following years, reaching a peak of 102 births in both 2014 and 2015. This level of popularity was maintained until recently, with 104 births recorded in 2016.
Despite a slight dip in recent years, with 88 births in 2017 and 67 births in 2018, Gareth continues to be a popular choice for parents in the United States. In fact, as of 2023, there have been 55 recorded births for the name Gareth this year alone.
In total, over the period from 1916 to 2023, there have been 4292 births recorded for the name Gareth in the United States. This demonstrates that while Gareth may not have always been a popular choice, it has certainly made its mark on American naming trends in recent decades.