Declining since 2015, #2,765 for boys today.
Popularity of Gareth since 1916
Babies named Gareth per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 156 |
| 1930s | 186 |
| 1940s | 292 |
| 1950s | 212 |
| 1960s | 241 |
| 1970s | 341 |
| 1980s | 577 |
| 1990s | 705 |
| 2000s | 658 |
| 2010s | 720 |
| 2020s | 289 |
Meaning & origin
Gareth entered U.S. records in 1916, but its use remained sparse for decades. It reached a modern peak in 2016 at rank 2765, given to 1 in 37,132 boys that year. Since 2015, however, its trajectory has been falling. The name is most frequently given in Texas and California. Gareth is a classic Welsh name with deep roots in Arthurian legend, where Sir Gareth is known as a knight of the Round Table. While never extremely common in the United States, it has a steady presence among families seeking a name with medieval charm and Welsh heritage. Its sound is familiar yet distinctive, and it pairs well with both traditional and modern sibling names.
Gareth is a name of uncertain origin, though it is most likely derived from the Welsh name Geraint or possibly from a Proto-Celtic root meaning 'gentle.' It gained prominence through Arthurian legend, appearing as Sir Gareth in Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur (15th century). The name has been used in Wales and England since the Middle Ages and saw a revival in the 20th century.
Where Gareth is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gareth” around the world
Where Gareth lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gary, Garry, Gaz
Sibling names for Gareth
Names that share Gareth's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Elen, Megan, Bryony, Seren, Lowri, Avalon, Brienne, Bronwyn, Enid, Glynis, Guinevere, Gwen, Gwenda, Gwendolyn, Gwendolynn, Gwyneth, Linette, Lynette, Merideth, Merlyn, Rhiannon, Ardyth, Arwyn, Bronwen, Emlyn, Glenis, Glenys, Glynnis, Gwendalyn, Gwendolen, Gwenivere, Gwyndolyn, Gwynevere, Lyndall, Meredyth, Morgana, Sian, Siani, Wynette, Dai, Deryn, Gaynor, Glennys, Glynda, Gwendoline, Gweneth, Gwenevere, Gwenneth, Isolde, Reannon, Rhianne, Riannon, Morgaine, Tamsyn, Anwyn, Areta, Gwenette, Gwenlyn, Kerensa, Laurana, Rhiannan, Rowene, Winefred
Brothers: Evan, Rhys, Owen, Celyn, Ioan, Alaric, Caron, Dylon, Edric, Glynn, Howell, Lloyd, Merlin, Mervyn, Powell, Reece, Steffan, Taran, Trevor, Vaughan, Wynn, Albion, Bevan, Carvin, Delwyn, Ivor, Jerard, Llewyn, Merwyn, Owyn, Bard, Brenin, Gwin, Lewellyn, Nesta, Oberon, Urian, Wyn, Shuan, Durant, Garan, Lloyde, Merric, Owain, Tristram
