The name Garrett is of English origin and is derived from the Old Germanic elements "ger," meaning "spear," and "rad," meaning "ourageous" or "ready." Therefore, the name Garrett means "spear-ready" or "strong with a spear."
The name was first introduced to England by the Normans during the 11th century. It was brought over from France, where it had been used as a surname and eventually became an established given name in English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Garrett. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Garrett FitzGerald, who was a 12th-century Irish king. Additionally, Garrett Hardin (1915-2003) was an American ecologist and social scientist known for his influential essay "The Tragedy of the Commons."
Today, Garrett remains a popular given name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 1000 boys' names since the 1970s.
In summary, the name Garrett is of Old Germanic origin and means "spear-ready" or "strong with a spear." It was introduced to England by the Normans and has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history. Some notable figures who have carried this name include King Garrett FitzGerald of Ireland and American ecologist Garrett Hardin.
"The name Gerrett has seen fluctuating popularity over the years, with a peak of 12 births in 1980 and a recent resurgence in the late 1980s to early 1990s, totaling 92 births between 1974 and 2004."