Surname Garris - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Unveiling a Legacy: A Journey into the Origins and History of the Garris Surname through iGENEA DNA Testing
Fascinated by the mystery of my ancestry, indulgence in iGENEA DNA test has led to uncovering the deep-rooted história behind my surname Garris. The exploration into its etymology and the spread across regions unravelled exciting discoveries of a profession-based name emanating from Low German, marking an ancient migration across Europe and a lineage symbolizing resilience, adaptability, and vigor.
R. Garris
read moreGarris: What does the surname Garris mean?
The last name Garris is of French origin, derived from the Germanic word "gari" meaning "spear." This indicates that the original bearer of the surname Garris was either an occupier of arms manufacturing, such as a weapon smith or soldier, or a descendant of someone who made a living from such activities.
Alternately, it could be derived from an Old French word root "gare," meaning "watchtower" or "fortification." This would indicate that the original Garris family were those responsible for protecting a castle or a walled city.
The spelling of the name has also changed over time; earlier versions of the name may include Garris, Garrez, Garrice, and Garriss-Datt.
In the United States the Garris name is most commonly associated with descendants of Huguenots, refugees from religious persecution in France who settled in the Americas in the 1600s. These Huguenot settlers sought religious freedom, often bearing the Garris surname.
Today, the Garris name is most often associated with French-American families, although it can be found in other countries and cultures as well. People with this surname may be descended from one of the families mentioned here, or from a different branch of the Garris family.
No matter where people with the surname Garris come from, they are united by their shared French and Germanic heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisGarris: Where does the name Garris come from?
The last name Garris is most commonly found in the United States today, with a reported population of 12, 943 in 2009. The name originated in the Old French word “garris”, which means rough or bristling. It is particularly concentrated in the southern states of the US, with the highest population in Mississippi, followed by Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas.
The surname can be found in records dating back to as early as the 1500s and 1600s in England. Variations of the name, such as Garriss and Garce, can be found further back in time. The Garris family has a strong southern history, with some of the first families to settle in Texas and Louisiana during the 1800s.
Most families can trace their roots back to a common ancestor; in the case of the Garris family this ancestor is believed to be Thomas Garris, who came to America from England in 1635. He settled in Henrico County, Virginia, and the Garris line spread from there.
The Garris family still holds a legacy in the United States today. A number of prominent members have emerged over the years, including politicians, athletes, actors and activists. Regardless of where they are found or what they have achieved, the name has proven to have stood the test of time.
Variations of the surname Garris
The surname Garris has various spelling variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of these variant spellings and surnames include Gariis, Garies, Garriso, Garrise, Garrys, Gerrish and Gearish.
The name Garris can be traced back to the Lothian region of Scotland or the Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The name was likely derived from a personal name, such as Gara, Gerrig, or Garran. It was more likely derived from an old Gaelic word that meant “spearman.”
Early historical records suggest that some bearers of the Garris surname were found in Scotland as early as the 13th-century. One of the earliest records associated with the Garris name was a Sibbald Garrise who was witness to a charter established in Cessford in 1296. Later on, this same name was associated with the kingdom of England when a John Garris of Worthing was recorded in the Rolls of Winchester during 1332.
As the centuries passed, the Garris surname spread into various parts of the world. One of the earliest recorded migrations was from Scotland into the United States. In the mid-1700s, a few Garris immigrants arrived in the Ulster County of New York with further migration happening throughout the 19th century. During this time, families such as the Garrisons, Gerrishes, and Garceys also made their way to the United States from Scotland.
Finally, migration continued with individuals bearing the Garris surname moving to the various nations, such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In more modern times, the surname has become well-distributed throughout the world due to the globalization of the world and the increasing mobility of people.
Famous people with the name Garris
- Michael Garris: American film director, best known for adapting Stephen King’s books into movies.
- Bob Garris: American professional football player who played for the Philadelphia Eagles in the early 1970s.
- Ralph Garris: American professional basketball player who played in the NBA and ABA.
- Vance Garris: American songwriter and producer best known for writing and producing hits for pop stars like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Christina Aguilera.
- Joe Garris: American jazz guitar player who was a member of legends like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.
- Debra Garris: American country music singer who has released four albums on major labels.
- Rob Garris: American actor who appeared in TV shows like Men at Work and Workaholics.
- Michael Garris Jr.: American rapper and producer who is known for his work with stars like Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, and Ty Dolla $ign.
- Brice Garris: American actress who has appeared in films such as The Haunting in Connecticut and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
- Tony Garris: American baseball player who played for the Boston Red Sox in the late 1990s.