What does Garfield mean and where does it come from?
Garfield originates as an Anglo-Saxon surname derived from Old English 'geard', meaning 'enclosure/field', and 'feld', meaning 'open land'. The name gained prominence in the 19th century, notably through U.S. President James A. Garfield. However, in contemporary culture, the name is best known due t
Cultural significance
Garfield has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #89 in 1881 — currently #12752 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Garfield?
Garfield works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Garfield Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Garfield Rose
Floral · soft ending
Garfield Mae
Sweet · timeless
Garfield Claire
French influence · crisp
Garfield Jane
Literary · strong
Garfield Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Garfield right now?
Falling — down 4021 spots — currently #12752 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #12752 | 5 | ▼ down 4021 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #8731 | 8 | ▲ up 3509 · +60% births |
| 2010 | #12240 | 5 | ▼ down 5608 · -55% births |
| 2005 | #6632 | 11 | ▼ down 1043 · -8% births |
| 2000 | #5589 | 12 | ▼ down 789 |
| 1995 | #4800 | 12 | ▼ down 2243 · -54% births |
| 1990 | #2557 | 26 | ▲ up 1791 · +189% births |
| 1985 | #4348 | 9 | ▼ down 1622 · -47% births |
| 1980 | #2726 | 17 | ▼ down 724 · -26% births |
| 1975 | #2002 | 23 | ▼ down 384 · -18% births |
| 1970 | #1618 | 28 | ▼ down 190 · -3% births |
| 1965 | #1428 | 29 | ▲ up 33 · -3% births |
| 1960 | #1461 | 30 | ▼ down 323 · -30% births |
| 1955 | #1138 | 43 | ▼ down 323 · -39% births |
| 1950 | #815 | 70 | — |
The story of Garfield
Garfield has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #89 in 1881. With 5,556 total births recorded, Garfield remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #111 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12752 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Garfield in 1881:
Garfield by decade
Garfield peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 575 | |
| 1890s | 203 | |
| 1900s | 287 | |
| 1910s | 819 | |
| 1920s ★ | 932 | |
| 1930s | 611 | |
| 1940s | 616 | |
| 1950s | 509 | |
| 1960s | 333 | |
| 1970s | 218 | |
| 1980s | 159 | |
| 1990s | 163 | |
| 2000s | 102 | |
| 2010s | 29 | |
💎With 5,556 total births, Garfield is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Garfield?
What names sound and feel like Garfield?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Garfield also consider these
Common questions about the name Garfield
What does the name Garfield mean?
Garfield means "Old English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Garfield?
Garfield is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Garfield?
Garfield originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Garfield?
Garfield is a two-syllable name pronounced G AA1 R F IY2 L D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Garfield a common or rare name?
Garfield is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.