Find out how popular the first name Garnet has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Garnet by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Garnet is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 60% of people named Garnet being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 female babies and 8 male babies born with the name Garnet.

The history of the first name Garnet

The name Garnet is derived from the gemstone of the same name. The word garnet comes from the Middle English word "gernet," which in turn comes from the Old French "grenat," meaning dark red. This ultimately traces back to the Latin word "granatus," meaning as red as a pomegranate seed.

Garnets are a group of silicate minerals that come in various red shades. The deep red color of these gems has long been admired and associated with fire and passion. Historically, garnets were used in jewelry and also believed to have protective and healing properties.

The name Garnet likely first came into use as a given name in medieval Europe, where gemstones and their symbolic meanings held significant cultural and religious significance. Early recorded instances of the name Garnet can be found in English records from the 16th century.

One of the earliest known notable individuals with the name Garnet was Garnet Wolseley, 1st Viscount Wolseley (1833-1913), a British Army officer and administrator who served in various military campaigns throughout the British Empire.

Another historical figure with the name Garnet was Garnet Joseph Wolseley (1833-1913), an English Anglican priest and author, who served as the second Anglican Bishop of Nassau from 1881 to 1901.

In the United States, one of the earliest prominent individuals with the name Garnet was Garnet Douglass Baltimore (1904-1980), an American educator and civil rights activist who advocated for equal educational opportunities for African American students.

Garnet Reid (1914-1995) was a Canadian ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, winning the Stanley Cup in 1944.

Garnet Portrie (1896-1980) was a Canadian politician who served as a member of the House of Commons of Canada from 1949 to 1957, representing the riding of Vegreville, Alberta.

Over time, the name Garnet has been used for individuals of various genders, though it has traditionally been more common as a masculine name. Its association with the vibrant red gemstone has contributed to its enduring popularity as a given name.

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 Garnet was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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