The English name is from either of two Germanic personal names introduced to Britain by the Normans. It comes from the given names of Gerald and Gerard. The name refers to strong and brave along with shear and lance.

The vast majority of Garrett families were farmers in the 1880s.

In Scotland, in the southwest county of Wigtownshire has a high number of Garretts. In England, in the southern counties and especially in the London area have the higher Garrett population.

The states of Georgia, Tennessee and Texas have the majority of Garrett families in the United States.

Famous: Andrew Garrett (19th century explorer of the Pacific South Seas), Betty Garrett (actress), David Garrett (German classical violinist), Edmund H. Garrett (American painter, illustrator and author), Jason C. Garrett (professional football player with Dallas Cowboys), Leif Garrett (singer and actor), Randall Garrett (science fiction author), Brad Garrett (actor and comic), Thomas Garrett (19th century leader of the Underground Railroad in U.S.), Neil David Garrett (British TV producer) and Lesley Garrett (English singer and songwriter).