Garner is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "garner," which means "granary" or "storehouse." The name originally referred to someone who lived near a granary or was responsible for managing one. Over time, Garner became associated with individuals rather than places and eventually evolved into a given name as well.
The earliest recorded use of the name Garner as a first name is believed to have been in the 17th century, although it remained relatively rare until the mid-20th century. Today, Garner is considered a unisex name, though it is still more commonly used for males.
There are no specific historical figures or famous individuals associated with the name Garner that might influence its popularity or significance. Instead, people may choose this name for its unique sound and spelling, as well as its association with the word "garner," which can evoke images of abundance and provision.
In literature and popular culture, there are a few notable characters named Garner, such as Garner Eddon from Tad Williams' fantasy series "Shadowmarch" and Garner Hobbs from Elizabeth Strout's novel "Olive Kitteridge." However, these examples do not appear to have significantly impacted the usage of the name.
In summary, Garner is a surname turned given name of English origin that means "granary" or "storehouse." While it has no strong historical significance or famous namesakes, its unique sound and association with abundance make it an appealing choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the name Garner in the United States:
From 1881 to 1930, there were fluctuations in the number of babies named Garner, with an average of around 15 births per year. The highest peak during this period was in 1932, with 82 births.
Between 1931 and 1970, the popularity of the name Garner continued to fluctuate but showed a general decline. The highest number of births recorded during this time was 27 in 1969, and the lowest was 9 in 1966.
From 1971 to 2023, the popularity of the name Garner remained relatively stable with an average of around 15 births per year. The highest number of births recorded during this period was 33 in 2021, while the lowest was 5 in 1992.
Overall, there have been a total of 2244 babies named Garner in the United States since 1881. While the name has seen periods of greater and lesser popularity over time, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents seeking to give their child a memorable name.