Declining since 2017.
Popularity of Garvey since 1916
Babies named Garvey per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2017, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Garvey's real moment was 1918.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 19 |
| 1920s | 49 |
| 1930s | 15 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 13 |
| 1990s | 34 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 69 |
| 2020s | 25 |
Meaning & origin
Garvey is a masculine name of Irish origin that has remained rare in the United States. First recorded in 1916, it reached its peak rank in 1918, likely influenced by the rising visibility of Marcus Garvey, though the name never entered the top 1000. Since 2017, its usage has been declining, with no births reported in several recent years. The name carries a strong surname feel and a rugged phonetic quality, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon Irish heritage name. Despite its obscurity, Garvey maintains a distinct historical and cultural resonance.
Garvey is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Gairbheith, derived from 'garbh' meaning 'rough' and 'síth' meaning 'peace'. It originated as a patronymic surname in County Tyrone and County Waterford. As a given name, it gained modest use in the early 20th century, perhaps influenced by political activist Marcus Garvey.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gar, Garv
Sibling names for Garvey
Names that share Garvey's style, for a brother or sister.
