GARFIELD
Garfield
Origin and Meaning: The British surname Garfield is of locational origin, derived from the Old English words 'gāra' which means a triangular piece of land, and 'feld' which refers to an open area of land. Therefore, the surname Garfield suggests an individual residing near or in a triangular piece of land.
Historical Significance: The Garfield surname has ancient roots in England and dates back to medieval times. It is believed that families bearing this surname may have originated from different locations across various regions of Britain where triangular pieces of land were prominent.
Variations and Evolution: Over the centuries, the spelling of the surname Garfield has evolved, resulting in variations such as Garfeld, Garfyld, and Garfeild. These variations reflect the phonetic adaptations made to the surname as it passed down through generations.
Notable Individuals: One prominent figure bearing the Garfield surname is James A. Garfield (1831–1881), an American statesman and the 20th President of the United States. Although American, President Garfield's surname serves as a notable example of the surname's historical significance and presence beyond British shores.
Modern Distribution: Today, the Garfield surname can be found in various regions, both in Britain and abroad, as descendants of families carrying this distinguished name have migrated and settled in different parts of the world over time.
In Popular Culture: The surname Garfield has also made its way into popular culture as the name of a famous fictional character, "Garfield the Cat." Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, Garfield the Cat is a beloved feline character known for his humorous and lasagna-loving antics in the comic strip "Garfield."
In summary, the surname Garfield encapsulates a rich history rooted in British origins, with variations and notable individuals contributing to its legacy both in Britain and beyond.
There are approximately 1,479 people named Garfield in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,419th most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Garfield.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
Female
- Ann
- Claire
- Deborah
- Diane
- Dorothy
- Helen
- Joanne
- Julie
- Linda
- Louise
- Mary
- Melanie
- Sarah
- Suzanne
- Yvonne
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.