Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Garrett
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “spear strength (from Gerard)”
- Meaning
- spear strength (from Gerard)
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- GAIR-it
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #564
- US babies 2025
- 526
- Best rank
- #74 (2000)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Garrett
Garrett is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “spear strength (from Gerard)”.
Garrett comes from an English surname derived from the Germanic names Gerard or Gerald, built from ger, meaning spear, and hard, meaning brave, or wald, meaning rule. Irish families also used Garrett as a form of Gearóid, a Gaelic version of Gerald. The name has a sturdy, traditional feel and became especially popular in the United States in the late twentieth century. Garrett is easy to say and blends classic roots with a modern sound. Gary and Rhett could serve as nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Garett.
Popularity over time
Garrett has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #74 in 2000, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,840 babies. In 2025, 526 babies were named Garrett, and it ranked #564 nationally. That is 61% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #717 in 1920, #522 in 1950, #189 in 1980, #74 in 2000, #188 in 2010, and #564 in 2025. Of the 135,762 US boys named Garrett since records began, 33% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 36,225 babies. Since 2010, 18,366 more have been named Garrett.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Seth, Carlos, Alejandro, Bryce, and Brendan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Garrett ranked highest in New Hampshire, Montana, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #214 | 6 |
| Montana | #251 | 5 |
| West Virginia | #271 | 7 |
| Nebraska | #310 | 8 |
| Ohio | #354 | 32 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Garrett is usually pronounced GAIR-it, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with G and ends in “-tt”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Garett.
Middle names for Garrett
A few middle names that flow with Garrett: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Garrett
Similar names
Emmett Boy
EH-miht
“from a pet form of Emma” · English
#121
Beckett Boy
BEK-it
“from an English surname” · English
#141
Barrett Boy
BAIR-it
“possibly strife, trouble” · English
#171
Merritt Unisex
MEH-riht
“boundary gate” · English
#703
Wyatt Boy
WY-uht
“brave in war” · English
#38
Bennett Boy
BEH-niht
“blessed” · English
#40
Everett Boy
EH-vur-iht
“brave as a boar” · English
#77
Bodie Boy
BOH-dee
“uncertain; possibly messenger” · English
#275
Abbott Boy
A-buht
“abbot, father; English surname” · English
#3,949
Henry Boy
HEHN-ree
“ruler of the home” · Germanic
#5
Charlie Unisex
CHAHR-lee
“free man” · English
#145
Richard Boy
RIH-churd
“brave ruler” · Germanic
#234
Lists that include Garrett
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Garrett mean?
Garrett is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “spear strength (from Gerard)”.
What is the origin of the name Garrett?
Garrett has English and Germanic roots. Garrett comes from an English surname derived from the Germanic names Gerard or Gerald, built from ger, meaning spear, and hard, meaning brave, or wald, meaning rule.
Is Garrett a popular name?
Yes. Garrett ranked #564 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Garrett a boy or girl name?
Garrett is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Garrett?
Garrett is usually pronounced GAIR-it. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings