What is the origin of the last name Garrison?
Countries of origin for the last name Garrison
The last name Garrison has an interesting history and meaning. Here are the facts:
1. The surname Garrison is of English origin.
2. The name is derived from the Middle English word ‘garison’, meaning a fortified place or stronghold.
3. It is believed that the name was originally a topographic or locational surname, given to someone who lived near or worked at a garrison.
4. The surname first appeared in written records in the 13th century, indicating that it has been in use for several centuries.
5. It is relatively common in England and can be found throughout the country.
6. The spelling of the name has remained fairly consistent over time, with variations such as Garrisson also being used occasionally.
7. The name Garrison is also found in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
8. In the United States, the surname Garrison is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly in Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia.
9. The name has been adopted by numerous notable individuals throughout history, including musicians, politicians, and athletes.
10. There is no specific coat of arms associated with the surname Garrison.
The history of the last name Garrison reveals its English origins and its association with fortified places or strongholds. The Middle English word ‘garison’, from which the name is derived, refers to a garrison – a place where soldiers are stationed to defend or occupy a particular area. This suggests that Garrison may have initially been a topographic or locational surname, given to individuals who lived near or worked at a garrison. The appearance of the name in written records in the 13th century indicates its long-standing usage.
Garrison is a relatively common surname in England, with a distribution that spans the entire country. However, the surname is also found in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, Garrison is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly in Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia.
Throughout history, numerous notable individuals bearing the surname Garrison have made their mark in various fields. From musicians to politicians, and from athletes to writers, the name has been adopted by individuals who have achieved recognition and success.
It is worth noting that there is no specific coat of arms associated with the surname Garrison. While many surnames have corresponding heraldic symbols, the absence of a coat of arms for Garrison suggests that the name may not have been connected to a particular noble or influential family.
The last name Garrison carries with it a rich history and intriguing associations. Its English origins and ties to fortified places provide insight into the name’s meaning and possible ancestral connections. The surname’s presence in various countries, along with the presence of notable individuals who bear the name, further emphasize its significance. While the absence of a specific coat of arms may leave some questions unanswered, it also leaves room for exploration and the potential for individual interpretations of the name’s meaning and origins.
Interesting facts about the last name Garrison
- The surname Garrison derives from the Old French word “garnison,” meaning “a fortified place.”
- Garrison is primarily an English and Scottish surname that originated as a occupational name for someone who worked in a garrison or fortress.
- The Garrison surname can also have Jewish origins, with several Jewish families adopting the name during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Germany and Eastern Europe.
- The Garrison family name has several variations, including Garison, Garisson, Garrisson, and Garrisonne.
- Famous individuals with the last name Garrison include American abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison and American television talk-show host and producer Arsenio Hall.
- The Garrisons is the title of a popular American comic strip created by Roy Crane in 1938.
- The Garrison name has been associated with military and law enforcement professions as well, with many people with this surname serving in these fields.
- According to genealogical records, the earliest known recorded instance of the surname Garrison in the English language dates back to 1177 in Lancashire, England.
- In the United States, the Garrison surname is most commonly found in states like Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois.
- The Garrison surname has multiple possible meanings in different languages: in French, it means “guardhouse or quarters for soldiers”; in Cornish, it means “son of Gerard”; in German, it means “stronghold or fortification”; and in Dutch, it means “bell tower.”
Name Rank
#677
There are around 50686 people with the last name Garrison in the US