Garreth Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: GAR-eth //ˈɡær.ɛθ//
Origin: Irish; Welsh
Meaning: Irish: spear; Welsh: gentle
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Garreth is of Welsh origin, derived from the name Gareth, which itself is believed to stem from the Old Welsh name "Gereint." The etymology of Gereint is somewhat debated, but it is often linked to the Latin word "garantus," meaning "gentle" or "gracious." The transition from Gereint to Gareth occurred as the name was adapted through various linguistic influences, including the Norman invasion of Britain, which introduced a variety of names into the Welsh lexicon. The name Gareth was popularized in the Arthurian legends, particularly through the character Sir Gareth of Orkney, who is depicted as a noble knight in Sir Thomas Malory's 15th-century work, "Le Morte d'Arthur." This association with chivalry and nobility contributed to the name's enduring appeal in Welsh and English cultures.
Historically, the name Gareth appears in various medieval texts, and its variants have been used across different regions. The name gained further prominence in the 19th century, particularly in literature and poetry, where it was often associated with themes of honor and bravery.
The character of Gareth in Arthurian tales embodies the ideals of knighthood, making the name resonate with cultural values of the time. Additionally, the name has been linked to several saints, enhancing its significance within Christian traditions.
Culturally, Garreth and its variants have been embraced in various forms, often symbolizing strength and virtue. The name's association with the legendary knight has allowed it to maintain a sense of nobility and respect throughout the centuries.
Diminutive forms such as Garry have also emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability while retaining its core identity. Overall, Garreth carries a rich historical and cultural legacy, rooted in Welsh heritage and the broader tapestry of medieval literature.
Famous people named Garreth
In this section, you will find notable people named Garreth. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Garreth who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Garreth who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Garreth McCleary is a professional footballer best known for playing with clubs such as Hereford United and Wrexham.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Garreth, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Garreth. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Garreth was first seen in the United States in 1940.
Garreth has ranked as high as #7698 nationally, which occurred in 1990, and has been most popular in California.
In the past 5 years the name Garreth has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Garreth is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Garreth was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Garreth.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 5 | 5 |
| 2016 | 7 | 7 |
| 2015 | 8 | 8 |
| 2013 | 8 | 8 |
| 2012 | 5 | 5 |
| 2011 | 6 | 6 |
| 2009 | 8 | 8 |
| 2007 | 6 | 6 |
| 2006 | 10 | 10 |
| 2005 | 10 | 10 |
| 2004 | 7 | 7 |
| 2003 | 10 | 10 |
| 2002 | 16 | 16 |
| 2001 | 16 | 16 |
| 2000 | 8 | 8 |
| 1999 | 14 | 14 |
| 1998 | 18 | 18 |
| 1997 | 10 | 10 |
| 1996 | 11 | 11 |
| 1995 | 13 | 13 |
| 1994 | 9 | 9 |
| 1993 | 11 | 11 |
| 1992 | 16 | 16 |
| 1991 | 9 | 9 |
| 1990 | 19 | 19 |
| 1989 | 10 | 10 |
| 1988 | 17 | 17 |
| 1987 | 8 | 8 |
| 1986 | 12 | 12 |
| 1985 | 9 | 9 |
| 1984 | 11 | 11 |
| 1983 | 6 | 6 |
| 1982 | 9 | 9 |
| 1981 | 5 | 5 |
| 1980 | 6 | 6 |
| 1979 | 6 | 6 |
| 1977 | 6 | 6 |
| 1972 | 8 | 8 |
| 1971 | 5 | 5 |
| 1970 | 11 | 11 |
| 1969 | 11 | 11 |
| 1968 | 7 | 7 |
| 1965 | 8 | 8 |
| 1962 | 6 | 6 |
| 1949 | 5 | 5 |
| 1940 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Garreth (1990)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |