Garrison

Updated: October 25, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

Garrison is a given name that is perfect for making a compelling statement. Strong and sturdy, this name also has a notable role in popular culture. Garrison Kane is the name of a popular character in the Marvel Comics universe, and Garrison Church is one of the most famous edifices in Sydney, Australia. Keep reading to learn more about this name.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Garrison:

Garrison is a given name taken directly from the traditional surname. This surname has two possible etymologies. The most popular origin is that Garrison derives from the Middle English word garisoun and the Old French word gareison (both meaning “stronghold” or “fortified place”). Garrisons referred to military bases and the troops stationed within those headquarters. The original French root guerir (meaning “to defend”) is also the source of Modern English terms like “guerilla warfare”.

The second important etymology is that Garrison is a patronymic surname that meant “son of Garret” or “son of Gerard”. Both names derive from the Old Germanic elements ger (meaning “spear”) and wald (meaning “rule”). The patronymic version became popular throughout Northern Europe and arrived in England as Gerhardsen during the Viking Age. English speakers eventually anglicized the name to produce Garrison.

Symbolism of the Name Garrison:

Garrison is a traditional name that refers to the French military term “garrison” or the Old High German name Gerard. In the military sense, the word garrison is a collective term for a military base or body of troops. As a location name, “garrison towns” can also refer to municipalities that support a military compound. Garrison towns remain in active use in the Middle East today. The traditional symbol of the garrison was the castle or fort.

Nicknames for the Name Garrison:

Garrison can be turned into a variety of nicknames! We've compiled our favorite options in this list for your easy perusal:

Garry
Garrie
Rison
Rissie
Ari
Sonny
Sons
Gar
Gare
Riso
Gares
G.R.
Gai

Style of the Name Garrison:

Traditional

Gender of the Name Garrison:

Garrison is a boy's name.

Pronunciation of the Name Garrison:

GEHR-ih-sən

Number of Syllables in the Name Garrison:

Three

Emotion Evoked From the Name Garrison:

The name Garrison evokes feelings of dignity and distinction.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Garrison:

Garrisen
Garrisyn

Popularity of the Name Garrison:

According to the Social Security Administration index, Garrison was the 1,310th most popular baby name for boys in 2020. The name last appeared on the top 1,000 list in 2014.