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Gareth Boy

Popularity: #874 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationGAIR-eth / /ˈɡɛr.əθ/

Welsh; English

Meaning

Welsh: gentle; English: spear strength

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Gareth has its roots in the Welsh language, derived from the Old Welsh name "Geraint," which is believed to mean "gentle" or "gracious." The etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Celtic *geranto-, which carries connotations of strength and valor. The name entered the English language through the influence of Arthurian legends, where Gareth is depicted as one of the Knights of the Round Table, a character known for his noble qualities and chivalric virtues. This association with the legendary King Arthur, who is a central figure in British folklore, helped to popularize the name in medieval England.

Gareth's historical significance is further underscored by its appearance in various literary works. The character of Gareth is notably featured in Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur," published in the 15th century, which solidified the name's connection to the chivalric ideals of the time. The tales of Arthur and his knights were instrumental in shaping medieval English literature and culture, and Gareth's role as a virtuous knight contributed to the name's enduring legacy.

Culturally, the name Gareth has been associated with themes of honor, bravery, and loyalty, reflecting the qualities of its legendary namesake. The name's resonance in Welsh culture is also significant, as it embodies the rich heritage and traditions of Wales. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Gary" have emerged, although they are less historically rooted. Overall, Gareth's journey through linguistic evolution and its ties to significant cultural narratives have established it as a name of historical and cultural importance.

Trend Summary

Gareth has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline in recent decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Garreth
  • Garett

International Variants

  • Gareth (Welsh)
  • Garett (English)

Famous people named Gareth

Gareth Bale is a professional footballer best known for playing with Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, and the Wales national team.

Gareth Edwards is a former rugby player best known for his time with the Wales national team and the British Lions.

Gareth Pugh is a fashion designer best known for his avant-garde designs and work in the fashion industry.

Gareth Southgate is a football manager best known for managing the England national team and leading them to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Gareth Thomas is a former rugby player and television presenter best known for his career with the Wales national team and his work on reality television.

Fictional characters named Gareth

Gareth is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. He is a skilled tactician and a key ally in the story, often providing strategic support to the main characters.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Gareth was first seen in the United States in 1916. Gareth has ranked as high as #1319 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Gareth has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Gareth (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 9
41%
FL 8
36%
TX 5
23%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19165
19197
19205
192133
192221
192317
19249
192514
192616
192715
192816
192910
19309
193114
193214
193312
193418
193525
193621
193722
193830
193921
194033
194125
194228
194339
194428
194526
194625
194733
194825
194929
195028
195125
195228
195319
195420
195520
195617
195713
195825
195918
196017
196128
196223
196329
196421
196524
196615
196728
196825
196930
197057
197129
197225
197323
197428
197530
197631
197736
197837
197945
198051
198149
198269
198353
198460
198549
198665
198759
198869
198953
199064
199158
199278
199372
199452
199575
199677
199774
199873
199982
200079
200171
200280
200381
200466
200575
200656
200754
200852
200944
201049
201152
201245
201353
2014102
2015102
2016104
201788
201867
201958
202047
202144
202255
202347
202450