The English and German origin for Garrison comes from the Old German term of ‘Gerhard’ which meant spear-brave, protective and fort like. Variations in spelling for Garrison include McGair, Kerrison, Gear, Gerard, Garred, Gerrelts, Gyre and Gayre. In England the early Garrison families were in the southwestern region of England around Cornwall. The families spread to Yorkshire, Lancashire and especially to Warwickshire. In Scotland the Garrison surname is primarily in Aberdeenshire and Stirlingshire. Within the United States the Garrison surname is chiefly in New York, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, Missouri, California, Indiana and Kansas. Famous: Richard Neil Garrison (sculptor), Earling “Jim” Garrison (leading investigator in the John F. Kennedy assassination), William Lloyd Garrison (19th century abolitionist), Ford Garrison (professional baseball player), Zina Garrison (professional tennis player), Lane Garrison (actor) and Walt Garrison (professional football player).