This name is of Norman origin, from either of the personal names 'Gerard' or 'Gerald' introduced into England after the Conquest of 1066. The two names soon became confused, but are recorded separately in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Gerardus' and 'Geraldi'. The derivation of both names is Germanic; 'Gerard' is composed of the elements 'geri' or 'gari' meaning 'spear', with 'hard', hardy, brave or strong, while 'Gerald' means 'spear - rule' from 'geri' as before with 'wald', rule. The names were extremely popular, which can be seen by the great number and variety of modern surnames deriving from them, ranging from Garratt, Garrett, Garred and Jarrett to Garrod and Jerrold.
The marriage of John Garratt and Joan French was recorded in Uxbridge, London, on February 6th 1540, and one Thomas, son of Frederyke Garratt, was christened at St. Margaret's, Westminster, in May 1574. Mary Garrett, the daughter of Zachiell Garrett christened at St Botolphs, Bishopgate, London on May 24th 1685. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Gerard, which was dated 1230, in the Pipe Rolls of Somerset, during the reign of King Henry 111, known as 'The Frenchman', 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Discovering the historical roots of garratt is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. Research into the possible origins of garratt leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of garratt.
Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname garratt. There is a considerable probability that garratt has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where garratt is most abundant are the following.
The historical chronicle of garratt is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named garratt are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname garratt.
We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname garratt, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of garratt could be modified.
It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished garratts throughout human history. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname garratt, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname garratt, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname garratt who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of garratt. The bibliography collects information related to the surname garratt, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of garratt.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of garratt, and at the same time, of surnames in general.