Garrison is a unique and strong-sounding male given name of English origin. The name comes from the English word "garrison," which refers to a body of soldiers stationed in a fortress or town for its defense. This usage of the term dates back to the late 14th century.
The name Garrison has a long history, with roots tracing back to medieval England during the time of castles and knights. It was primarily used as a surname initially, but over time, it evolved into a given name as well. The popularity of the name as a first name grew in the United States during the mid-20th century.
The meaning behind the name Garrison is linked to its original context - "garrison" means "a body of soldiers." Therefore, this name might have been chosen for its association with strength, protection, and defense. However, it's essential to note that while these qualities are often associated with names, they do not define an individual's personality or character.
In summary, Garrison is a unique and powerful-sounding male given name with English origins. Its history dates back to medieval times, and its meaning is connected to the concept of strength and protection through its association with soldiers stationed in fortresses.
The name Garrison has been given to a total of 8,319 babies born in the United States between 1912 and 2023. The number of babies named Garrison varied greatly over this period, with peaks and troughs in popularity.
From 1912 to 1946, the number of births with the name Garrison fluctuated between a low of 5 (in 1931) and a high of 17 (in 1948). However, starting from 1952, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name. In that year alone, 26 babies were named Garrison, marking the beginning of a period of greater popularity for the name.
The highest point in popularity for the name Garrison came in 1993, when it was given to 229 babies born that year. This marked a significant increase from previous years and indicated that the name had gained wider acceptance among parents choosing names for their children.
However, despite its brief peak in popularity, the name Garrison has never been among the most common choices for newborns in the United States. In fact, it has consistently ranked below the top 1,000 names given to babies each year throughout this period.
In recent years, the number of babies named Garrison has continued to decline, with only 104 births recorded in 2023. This indicates that while the name may still have some appeal among parents choosing unique names for their children, it is no longer as popular as it once was.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity, the name Garrison continues to be a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child. Its long history of use in the United States and its consistent presence on the Social Security Administration's list of popular baby names demonstrate that it has enduring appeal among parents who want to give their children a strong and unique identity.