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Origin and meaning of the name Garfield

What is the origin of the name Garfield?

The origins of the given name Garfield can be traced back to Old English and Anglo-Saxon roots. It is derived from two components: "Gar" meaning spear or warrior, and "feld" meaning open land or field. The name may have been used as a nickname for someone who lived on a grassy field with spears or warriors, or it could have been a descriptive name for someone who was strong and powerful like a spear. However, the modern use of Garfield as a given name is most famously associated with American cartoonist Jim Davis's comic strip character, Garfield the Cat, which debuted in 1978.

Learn more about the origin of the name Garfield

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Garfield

The name Garfield is an English surname that has been used as a given name. It originates from a medieval English nickname derived from the Old English word "gar," meaning spear, and "feld," meaning open land or field. Thus, the name could originally mean someone who lived in or near a field where spears were kept or made. The name gained popularity due to the creation of the comic strip character Garfield by Jim Davis in 1978, which features a lazy, food-loving cat named Jon Arbuckle's pet. This cultural reference has contributed to the increased usage of the name as a given name in modern times.

Character traits associated with the name Garfield

Garfield is often associated with certain character traits due to the popular comic strip character created by Jim Davis. The fictional cat Garfield is portrayed as being lazy, affectionate towards his human owner Jon, and having a strong appetite for lasagna. However, it's important to note that these characteristics are fictional and do not necessarily apply to every individual named Garfield in real life. Real-life persons named Garfield may possess a variety of traits, much like any other name. The comic strip character Garfield is known for his sarcastic wit and occasional grumpiness, which can also be associated with the name to some extent.

Popularity of the name Garfield

The name Garfield, associated with the popular comic strip character, has experienced varying levels of popularity over the years. Initially, it saw a surge in usage following the debut of the comic strip in 1978. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, the name was ranked among the top 200 most popular boys' names between 1979 and 1986. However, since the late 1980s, the name has gradually declined in popularity, with only occasional spikes in usage coinciding with significant events or revivals of interest in the Garfield character. As of recent years, it is no longer among the top 1000 most popular names for baby boys in the U.S., reflecting a general trend towards less common and more unique name choices.

Famous people with the name Garfield

Garfield is a common name that has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. The most renowned individual named Garfield is James Abram Garfield, who served as the 20th President of the United States from 1881 until his assassination in 1881. Prior to his presidency, Garfield had a successful career in politics, serving in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Another notable figure is Garfield Hayes, an American professional wrestler who performed under the ring name Jake "The Snake" Roberts. He gained fame for his unique ring persona and dangerous snakes as a signature move during the 1980s and 1990s. Lastly, Garfield Reeves-Stevens is an American author known for writing novels based on popular franchises such as Star Trek and Doctor Who. These are some of the most recognized individuals named Garfield across various fields.

Variations of the name Garfield

Garfield is primarily recognized as a male given name of English origin, derived from an Old English word "gar" meaning spear and "feld" meaning field. However, it may also have Norman origins, stemming from the Old French "gaur" or "gaurie," which means watchful. Variations of the name Garfield include Garfielde, Garfeild, Garfild, Garrard, Gard, Gareth, and Garey, all of which share the same meaning but may have slightly different pronunciation and regional usage. In some cases, Garfield may also be a surname that has been used as a given name, such as in the famous cartoon character Garfield the cat.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 31 July 2025

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