Holding steady.
Popularity of Garreth since 1940
Babies named Garreth per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Garreth's real moment was 1998.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 32 |
| 1970s | 36 |
| 1980s | 93 |
| 1990s | 130 |
| 2000s | 91 |
| 2010s | 39 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Garreth is a rare variant spelling of Gareth, a name brought to prominence by Sir Thomas Malory's 15th-century Arthurian work Le Morte d'Arthur, where Gareth was a Knight of the Round Table. In U.S. records, Garreth first appeared in 1940 and reached its peak popularity in 1998, though it has never been a common choice. The name has remained stable in usage, appealing to parents seeking a traditional Welsh name with a slightly unique spelling. Despite its obscurity in top state rankings, Garreth carries a literary and chivalric resonance that connects it to a rich cultural heritage.
Garreth is generally considered a variant spelling of Gareth, a name of Welsh origin popularized by Arthurian legend. The etymology of Gareth is debated; it may derive from the Welsh word 'gwaredd' meaning 'gentleness' or from 'Gwalchmai', a name of uncertain meaning. The spelling Garreth emerged as an anglicized form, particularly in the 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gary, Garry
Sibling names for Garreth
Names that share Garreth's style, for a brother or sister.
