Gardner is an English given name of recent origin, derived from the Old English word "gard" meaning enclosure or yard, and the suffix "-er" denoting an occupation. It was originally given to gardeners or those who lived near gardens in the Middle Ages, and is typically associated with growth, nurturing, and beauty. Notable figures include George Gardner, an 18th-century British horticulturist, and Alan Gardner, a 20th-century English cricketer.