Garland first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Garland has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Garland

A lush wreath of flowers or foliage adorning or honoring something.

Popularity of Garland by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Garland is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Garland being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 16 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Garland.

YearMale CountFemale Count
2024160
2023235
2022160
2021150
2020160
2019205
2018215
2017169
2016225
2015210
2014120
2013180
2012235
2011216
2010140
2009200
2008255
2007250
2006266
20052611
2004210
2003270
2002240
2001400
20004010
1999380
1998307
1997480
1996440
1995507
1994690
1993575
1992700
1991635
19907610
1989770
1988896
1987720
1986550
1985648
1984860
1983850
1982999
19811107
19801035
19791030
1978986
19771160
19761046
19751440

The history of the first name Garland

The name Garland has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "gyrland," which referred to a wreath or a garland made of flowers and plants. This name became popular in medieval England and was often associated with the natural beauty and abundance of the countryside.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Garland dates back to the 13th century, where it appeared in various historical records and literature. In the 14th century, the famous English poet Geoffrey Chaucer mentioned a character named Garland in his work "The Canterbury Tales," further solidifying the name's presence in English culture.

During the Renaissance period, the name Garland gained popularity among the nobility and upper classes, symbolizing a connection to nature and the arts. Several notable individuals bore this name, including the English poet and playwright Garland Langhorne (1609-1657), who was renowned for his pastoral poetry.

In the 18th century, the name Garland became associated with the American colonies, where it was embraced by settlers and pioneers. One notable figure was Garland Carr (1735-1800), a prominent Virginia planter and political figure who served in the Virginia House of Burgesses.

As the name spread across different regions and cultures, it took on various spellings and variations, such as Garlande, Garlond, and Garlant. However, the core meaning of the name remained tied to its botanical origins and the symbolism of natural beauty and abundance.

Throughout history, several other notable individuals have carried the name Garland, including the American artist Garland Woodbury Hibbard (1886-1972), known for his landscape paintings, and the American actress Garland Greene (1939-2020), who appeared in numerous television shows and films.

The name Garland has endured for centuries, carrying with it a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance, from its origins in medieval England to its widespread adoption across different regions and eras. Its botanical roots and association with natural beauty have contributed to its enduring appeal and its place in the annals of human history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Garland was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Garland, please contact us.

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