The name Garrett has its origins in the ancient Germanic language, where it was derived from the words "ger" meaning "spear" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "hardy." The name was initially used to describe a brave and valiant spearman or warrior. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages when the use of personal names became more widespread across Europe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Garrett can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a collection of annals documenting the history of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain. In the chronicle, a person named Garret is mentioned as a witness to a land grant in the year 962 AD.

The name Garrett has also been associated with various historical figures throughout the centuries. One notable example is Garrett FitzGerald, the Lord of Offaly in Ireland, who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He played a significant role in the Norman invasion of Ireland and was a prominent figure in the political and military affairs of the time.

Another prominent individual with the name Garrett was Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. (1877-1963), an African American inventor and entrepreneur. He is best known for his inventions, including the improved traffic signal and the safety hood, a precursor to the modern gas mask. Morgan's contributions to public safety and innovation have made him a celebrated figure in American history.

In the realm of literature, Garrett Mattingly (1900-1962) was an American historian and author renowned for his works on the Renaissance period. His book "The Armada" (1959), a comprehensive account of the Spanish Armada's attempt to invade England in 1588, is considered a classic in its field.

Garrett Augustus Hobart (1844-1899) was the 24th Vice President of the United States, serving under President William McKinley from 1897 until his death in 1899. He played a crucial role in advocating for the annexation of Hawaii and was instrumental in shaping the foreign policy of the McKinley administration.

Garrett Hongo (born 1951) is a renowned American poet, memoirist, and academic of Japanese descent. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Lamont Poetry Prize and the Guggenheim Fellowship. His memoir "Vagrant Grace" (2020) explores his mixed-race identity and experiences growing up in Hawaii and Los Angeles.