Gallant Garrett & Garret: The grandeur of these given names
As you consider the name Garrett or Garret for your little one, you’re tapping into a rich history and versatile name that might be just a great fit for your family.
Here, we look at the story behind Garrett and what makes this baby name really stand out. Ready to learn more about Garrett? Let’s dive in!
The history and evolution of the name Garrett
Both Garrett and Garret has roots that reach back to the Middle Ages, originating as a surname and eventually transitioning into a given name. Derived from the Germanic elements meaning “spear” and “rule,” this name has been wielded by nobles and commoners alike throughout history.
Saying it right: Garrett’s pronunciation pointers
Pronounced as GARE-et or GEHR-ritt, Garrett is a two-syllable name with emphasis on the first syllable. It rhymes with the word “carrot.”
Baby name trends for Garrett & Garret
The US Social Security Administration (SSA) data reveals a fascinating journey of the name Garrett’s popularity over time. Starting the 20th century with moderate popularity, ranking at 421 in 1900, Garrett experienced fluctuations throughout the years. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that Garrett began to climb significantly, breaking into the top 100 by 1990 and reaching its peak popularity in the year 2000 at rank 74.
However, after the year 2000, Garrett’s popularity began to decline. Despite this dip, the name has consistently stayed within the top 500 names, indicating that while it’s not as trendy as it once was, Garrett maintains a steady presence. As of the latest data from 2022, Garrett holds the rank of 463, suggesting that it remains a recognizable, albeit less common, choice for new parents today.
The alternate spelling of the name Garrett, spelled as Garret with one ‘t’, also shows an interesting pattern in the data. It has generally been less popular than the double ‘t’ variant, with its best rank being at 420 in the year 2000. Garret’s presence in the top 1000 names fluctuates more noticeably, with several years where it did not appear in the top 1000 at all.
After hitting its peak around the turn of the millennium, Garret has seen a decline similar to its counterpart. The name dropped out of the top 1000 rankings several times in the past few decades, but it made appearances now and then, with ranks such as 941 in 2007 and 762 in 2006.
The data indicates that while Garret is less common, it has maintained a subtle presence over the years, reflecting a more unique choice for parents who opt for this spelling variation.
Famous people & characters named Garrett
- Garrett Hedlund: An actor known for his roles in films like “Tron: Legacy.”
- Garrett Morris: A celebrated actor and comedian, original cast member of “Saturday Night Live.”
- Garrett Clayton: Actor and singer featured in Disney’s “Teen Beach Movie.”
- Garret Dillahunt (with one T): An American actor known for his roles in television series such as “Raising Hope” and “Fear the Walking Dead.”
- Garrett Walker: A fictional president in the Netflix series “House of Cards.”
- Garrett: A video game character from the popular series “Thief.”
The many faces of Garrett
Popular nicknames for Garrett include Garry and Rhett. You might find variants like Garret, Garett, or even the phonetic Garett catching on. The feminine version might be Garrette, and internationally, you might encounter Garett in France or Gerhard in Germany.
Other meanings of the word garret
The name Garret, beyond its use as a given name, also refers to a small attic or loft space. This term is often used to describe a room or living space just under the roof of a house, typically accessed by a narrow staircase.
The word “garret” originates from the Old French word “guarite,” meaning “watchtower” or “place of lookout,” and later evolved to mean a top-floor or attic room, particularly when used by artists or writers seeking solitude or affordable living quarters.
This alternate meaning of Garret adds a quaint and historical layer to the name, evoking images of a cozy, secluded retreat in the uppermost part of a home.
Is Garrett the right name for your little one?
When considering Garrett for your child’s name, think about the strong, historical roots and its less common usage today — which can be a plus if you’re looking for something familiar yet not overused. Be mindful of potential misspellings but rest assured, Garrett carries with it a sense of strength and classic charm.
Garrett: A classic choice for a modern baby
If you’re leaning towards Garrett, consider how it will flow with potential middle and last names. Garrett pairs well with a variety of names, offering a timeless charm that can complement both traditional and modern surnames. And for siblings? Think about names that share Garrett’s classic yet robust sound.
