Garrel is a surname of French origin, deriving from the Old French word 'garre', meaning 'rock' or 'heap'. It is believed to be an occupational name for someone who lived by a rock or a heap, or perhaps it was given as a nickname to someone thought to resemble one.
The name has been predominantly found in Normandy, France, with some families migrating to other parts of Europe and beyond over the centuries. Today, Garrel can still be found among French populations but also among those of Belgian, British, and Canadian descent due to migration patterns.
In terms of notable figures, there is a well-known family of filmmakers with the surname Garrel in France. Philippe Garrel, born in 1948, is a director, screenwriter, and actor known for his experimental and avant-garde films. His son, Louis Garrel, born in 1983, has also made a name for himself as an actor in both French and international cinema.
The surname Garrel is quite unique and not very common, which might contribute to its distinctiveness and the attention it attracts when encountered. However, despite its rarity, there is no specific meaning or symbolism associated with the name beyond its geographical origin and occupational derivation.
"The name Garrel experienced a notable rise in popularity between the late 1930s and mid-1940s, with the highest number of births recorded in 1947 at ten."