Surname Garland - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Unexpected South Asian Connection: A Garland's iGENEA DNA Test Saga

I got my iGENEA DNA test results recently, and they were not exactly as anticipated. Alongside a predominantly European genetic makeup, I was surprised to see a significant South Asian genetic segment. Prompted by this unexpected result and its connection to my surname, Garland, my curiosity steered me down a fascinating path of discovery.

Z. Garland

Garland: What does the surname Garland mean?

The surname Garland is of English and French origins. It derives from Old French “gerlande” which means “wreath, crown”, symbolizing honor or victory. This term was often used as a nickname for a victorious person or achiever. It is also believed to refer to someone who made, sold, or often wore garlands.

In some cases, it could also have originated from any of the various places in Normandy like Gerlando in Calvados, which was dubbed after a Germanic personal name, composed of the elements “geri or gari” meaning spear and “landa” meaning territory. This last name was brought into England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066.

It is a topographic surname for a person who lived near a triangular patch of land, as it comes from the Old English word 'gara', meaning a gore or triangular piece of land, and 'land', meaning land or property. It is also considered that Garland might have been an occupational name for someone who either made garlands or sold them.

Garland: Where does the name Garland come from?

The surname Garland is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily traced back to England, and is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century term "gar", meaning spear, and "landa", indicating a region or territory. It typically signifies "from the land of the spear" and was probably initially a nickname for someone known to be a skilled spearman or a warrior. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to date back to the 12th century in England.

Today, the name Garland is common in English speaking nations including the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. Within these nations, the Garland surname is most densely populated in the coastal regions of the United States and the South-East of England. Outside of these territories, the Garland surname is also modestly commonplace in parts of Europe due to emigration, particularly in Ireland and Scotland. Despite its spread, the Garland surname retains a strong connection to its English roots and history.

Variations of the surname Garland

The surname Garland is of English and French origin. It is derived from the Old French "gerlande" meaning a wreath, garland, or prize. Variants and alternate spellings include Garlan, Garlend, Garlen, Gerland, and Gurlin. The surname Garland might also have derived from the Middle English "gærland" or the Old English "gearwe" meaning equipment or preparation.

In Ireland, it was often adopted as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic O’Gormghaile, made up of the elements "gorm," which means “noble” or “illustrious,” and "gal," which means "valor" or "fury." In Scotland, Garland is a habitational name from multiple places in the borders, so called from Old English "gor" meaning ‘mud’ or ‘dung’ + "land" meaning ‘land’.

Garland can also be a Jewish (Ashkenazic) ornamental name or an Americanized form of various Ashkenazic Jewish surnames, including Goldlender and Gurland. As a Jewish surname, it might also be an Anglicized form of 'Gorlandt'.

Some bearers of the surname derive it from a female personal name, possibly a survival of Old English Georlindis or a feminine equivalent of Gerald.

Similarly spelled surnames that could potentially have the same origin include Gerlach, Gralund, Garlon and Gorlin.

Famous people with the name Garland

• Judy Garland: She was a renowned American actress, singer, and dancer. She starred in "The Wizard of Oz" and many other films and is recognized for her powerful vocal abilities.
• Beverly Garland: Was an American television and film actress, best known for her works in 1950s science fiction films and her role in the television series "My Three Sons."
• Patrick Garland: An English actor and director, Garland had a successful career in theatre and television. He was the artistic director of the Chichester Festival Theater.
• Red Garland: An accomplished jazz pianist, Red Garland was a significant part of the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1950s.
• Merrick Garland: He currently serves as the U.S. Attorney General and has previously served as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
• Travis Garland: This American singer-songwriter gained fame as a member of the boy band NLT before launching his solo career.
• Alex Garland: An English novelist, screenwriter, and film director, Garland is known for his work on films like "Ex Machina" and "Annihilation."
• Hannah Garland: British actress mostly known for her role in the TV series Doctors (2000).
• John Garland: Notable American actor known for Das Phantom von Soho (1964), Two Half Times in Hell (1961) and Adventure in the Hopfields (1954).

Other surnames

GarlandeGarlant