What nationality is the surname Garrett?

Question:

What nationality is the surname Garrett?

I've heard mixed opinions on this name...possibly Irish

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Origin Displayed: Irish

Although Ireland already had an established system of hereditary surnames, the Anglo-Normans brought many of their own naming traditions to the island. However, like the Irish, the Anglo-Normans frequently used patronymic surnames, a form of surname that was created from the name of the initial bearer's father, or another older relative. Norman patronymic names, because they were originally formed in French, were often created by the addition of a diminutive suffix to the given name, such as -ot, -et, -un, -in, or -el. Occasionally, two suffixes were combined to form a double diminutive, as in the combinations of -el-in, -el-ot, -in-ot, and -et-in. These Anglo-Norman settlers also created patronymic names by the prefix Fitz-, which was derived from the French word fils, and ultimately from the Latin filius, both of which mean son. Although this prefix probably originated in Flanders or Normandy, today it has disappeared from France entirely but remains common in Ireland. The Anglo-Norman surname garrett is derived from Mac Gerailt. The name is a synonym of Fitzgerald, and thus means son of Gerald.

Spelling variations of this family name include: Garrett, Garratt, MacGarrett, Garret, Garrat, Garrity, Garraty, Garritty, Garet, Garitt, Garatt and many more.

First found in county Carlow and were believed to be descended from Teige Mor, who was King of Connacht about the year 840, and his brother, Cathal, the first Chief of the Clann.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Francis Garrett who settled in Virginia in 1639; Hannah and Richard Garrett settled in Salem, Mass. in 1630; Mary Garrett settled in Jamaica in 1663; Richard West Garrett settled in St. Christopher in 1635.

Surname: Garrett
This ancient surname is of German and French pre 7th century origins. It derives from either of the popular personal names Gerard or Gerald. "Gerard" comprises the elements "gari" meaning a spear, and "hard" - brave, whilst "Gerald" has the same prefix of "gari", but the suffix is from "wald", meaning to rule.This type of compound name with its echoes of tough living and yet compliance with authority, is very typical of the period in history known as "The dark ages" Later after the 11th century there was a revival in Christian belief, and "names" often became biblical, through association with the crusades. The popularity of Gerard and Gerald was such as to ensure their survival into, and beyond the introduction of surnnames in the 12th century. Nobody is quite sure how many surnames emanate from Gerald and Gerard, but it is known to exceed two hundred, and for examples to be found in almost every European country. These spellings range from Garratt, Gerhard, Garred, and Jarrelt, to Gheraldi, Giraudot, Gilardengo and Gerrelts. Early examples include in England, Henry Jerard in the county of Essex in 1284, and in Germany, Burkhart Gerhart, given as being a burgher of the town of Heilbronn, in the year 1293. The first recorded spelling of the family name anywhere in the world is believed to be that of John Gerard, which was dated 1230, in the Pipe Rolls of the county of Somerset, England. This was during the reign of King Henry 111rd, 1216 - 1272. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

garrett
English: from either of two Germanic personal names introduced to Britain by the Normans: Gerard, composed of the elements gar, ger ??spear??, ??lance?? + hard ??hardy??, ??brave??, ??strong??; and Gerald, composed of the elements gar, ger ??spear??, ??lance?? + wald ??rule??.