Garret

Meaning & origin

Garret is a variant spelling of the more common Garrett, itself derived from the Germanic name Gerard, meaning 'spear strength.' This version with a single 't' has been in use since at least 1881, when it first appeared in U.S. data. It reached its peak popularity in 2000, with a notable but moderate usage. Since then, its ranking has fallen, reflecting a broader trend away from similar-sounding names. In 2025, it ranked 7,194th, with about 1 in 155,280 boys receiving the name. The name has been consistently given across the decades, though it never cracked the top 1,000 nationally. Its highest concentration has been in states with strong English and German heritage, though no single state stands out as a top state. Parents often use it as a fresh take on Garrett, maintaining the strong, classic feel of the original.

Garret is a variant spelling of Garrett, which is an English surname turned given name. Garrett itself comes from the Germanic name Gerard, composed of the elements 'ger' (spear) and 'hard' (brave, strong). The name was introduced to England by the Normans and became common in the Middle Ages. The spelling Garret, with one 't', reflects a simplified or phonetic variation that emerged in the United States, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries.