Garrett is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Gárad" which means "strong". The name has been popular in Ireland for centuries and was often given to sons born into families with a history of strong leadership or military prowess.
The name Garrett first appeared in English records during the 12th century when many Irish names were anglicized, or translated into English. However, it is believed that the name predates this period and was brought to Ireland by Viking settlers who invaded the country around the 9th century.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Garrett. One of the most famous was Garrett Mallaghan, a 16th-century Irish rebel leader who fought against English rule. Another notable figure was Garrett FitzGerald, an 18th-century Irish politician and member of the powerful FitzGerald dynasty.
Today, Garrett remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their son a strong and distinctive name with a rich history behind it. The name has also gained popularity in recent years due to its association with the American actor Garrett Hedlund, who is known for his roles in films such as "Friday Night Lights" and "Country Strong". Despite its growing popularity, however, Garrett remains a relatively uncommon name compared to other Irish names like Patrick or Sean. Overall, it is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history that continues to appeal to parents looking to give their son a meaningful and powerful name choice.
The name Garrett has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were relatively few births with the name Garrett each year, ranging from just 5 to 16 births annually between 1883 and 1929.
However, beginning in the 1930s, the popularity of the name started to increase. Between 1937 and 1949, there were more than 20 Garrett births each year, peaking at 31 births in 1949. This trend continued into the 1950s, with a high of 60 births in 1960.
The popularity of the name Garrett reached its zenith in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 250 births each year from 1979 to 1987. The highest point was reached in 1985, with a remarkable 261 babies named Garrett.
After this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline. Between 1993 and 2004, there were consistently around 300 births each year with the name Garrett. However, by 2005, this number had dropped significantly, falling to just over 200 births annually until 2012.
Since then, the popularity of the name Garrett has continued to decline, with fewer than 70 babies named Garrett each year from 2013 to 2023. Despite this decrease in popularity, there were still a total of 13,223 births with the name Garrett in the United States over the past century.
It's interesting to note that the name Garrett has seen several periods of increased and decreased popularity throughout its history. While it's difficult to pinpoint exact reasons for these trends, they likely reflect changing cultural preferences and influences over time.