Surname Garrison - Meaning and Origin

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Z. Garrison

Garrison: What does the surname Garrison mean?

The last name Garrison is of English and Scottish origin and is derived from the Middle English word "garesoun" which means "protection" or "defence". It was used as an occupational surname for those who lived or worked in a garrison - a place where troops were stationed for protective purposes. The term "garrison" refers to a body of troops stationed in a fortified place or a military post where troops are stationed to defend it. Thus, the surname could have been given to a person who was responsible for defending a fortress, a soldier stationed within such a fortress, or someone who lived in or near a fortification. People with the Garrison surname can be found mainly in the United States, England, and Canada with smaller numbers in Australia and other countries. The name Garrison was most likely brought to America by English immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Garrison: Where does the name Garrison come from?

The surname Garrison is of Anglo-Saxon origin and has a rich and fascinating history. It derives from the Old English word "here", meaning army, and "tun", meaning enclosure or settlement, suggesting it was used for families living near a fortress or military base. The name first appeared in the records in Staffordshire, England, during the 13th century.

Although primarily well-established in English-speaking countries, the frequency and density of the Garrison surname are most significant in the United States today. It ranks highest in the state of Arkansas. Other places where the surname is prevalent include Canada, Australia, and England.

Renowned individuals with this surname, contributing to its fame and usage, include famous anti-slavery activist William Lloyd Garrison and renowned broadcaster Jim Garrison. Through historical migration and diffusion, this surname has spread around the globe, developing unique variations and spellings over time.

Variations of the surname Garrison

The surname Garrison has various versions and subtle spelling variations. These include Garrisson (double 's'), Garison (single 'r'), Garryson, and even Garieson. It might also appear as Garisson or Garrisson, depending on regional dialects and transcription.

The name is patronymic in nature, originating from a personal name. The 'son' part indicates 'son of.' Garrison could have evolved from Garr or Gary, suggesting that a possible variant could be something like 'Garrs' or 'Garys.' Over time, surnames were modified for simplicity or due to migration, so some forms may have different language roots.

It's also crucial to note that there are specific variations of Garrison in other languages. For example, it could be 'Garnison' in French, or 'Garnición' in Spanish. In Dutch, it might be 'Garnizoen.' However, these are direct translations of the word 'garrison,' and might not necessarily serve as surnames. Furthermore, these should not be confused with the Jewish surname 'Gershon,' which is both phonetically similar and often anglicized as Garrison, but has different origins.

In conclusion, while Garrison itself is quite distinct, the various spellings and variations reveal its wide-ranging use and the possible evolution of language and surnames.

Remember that tracing the exact origin of a surname can be challenging due to historical migrations, cultural intermixing, and the evolution of languages. Therefore, this list may not be exhaustive.

Famous people with the name Garrison

• Jim Garrison: was a District Attorney in New Orleans who is best known for his investigations into the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
• Michael Garrison: a composer, musician, and producer of movie soundtracks.
• Stephen A. Garrison: an attorney and expert on constitutional law.
• Arnold Garrison: a former Major League Baseball pitcher.
• Jeff Garrison: a songwriter and guitarist.
• Mark Garrison: a celebrity hairstylist.
• Donovan Garrison: a film and television actor.
• Christopher Garrison: a screen writer.
• Lauren Garrison: an actress and producer.
• Zac Garrison: a former US Army soldier and drone pilot.
• Emily Garrison: a social media influencer, public speaker, and entrepreneur.
• Maureen Garrison: an academic, professor, and Egyptologist.
• Frank Garrison: an American jockey who won over 500 races.
• Jesse Gordon Garrison: an inventor and entrepreneur who founded Garrison Metalworks.
• Chris Garrison: a professional painter and fine artist.
• Jeffery Garrison: an American bassist, vocalist, and songwriter.
• John Garrison: the former CEO of a tech company.
• Laura Garrison: a United States Army Reserve lieutenant colonel.
• Eugenia Garrison: an African American hymn composer.
• Richard Garrison: a former winner of the Dick Butkus Award.

Other surnames

Garris