Surname Garritson - Meaning and Origin
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Garritson: What does the surname Garritson mean?
The surname Garritson is of patronymic origin, derived from the personal name of a male ancestor. It is a variant of the name "Garrison," which is believed to have originated from the Dutch given name Gerrit, equivalent to the English name Gerrard or Gerald, combined with the suffix "-son," meaning "son of." Therefore, Garritson can be loosely translated as "son of Gerrit" or "son of Gerrard." In the old Germanic sense, Gerrit or Gerrard means 'spear-hard,' signifying strength or bravery. However, like many surnames, the exact origin and meaning can vary based on geographical regions and historical usage.
Order DNA origin analysisGarritson: Where does the name Garritson come from?
The last name Garritson is of Dutch origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from personal names, specifically from "Gerard," meaning "spear-strong". The suffix "-son" means "son of," suggesting that early individuals with the surname were "son of Gerard." Patronymic names started appearing in the Netherlands around the 14th century.
Today, the surname Garritson is found more commonly in the United States than in any other country. After Dutch immigration waves to the New World, many Dutch surnames became anglicized, and Garritson is likely one of them. Within the United States, the surname is particularly prevalent in regions with significant Dutch influence such as New York and New Jersey. The exact distribution of individuals with this surname is hard to establish due to its relatively rare usage. Some people with this surname may trace their roots back to Dutch ancestors while others may have adopted or inherited the name in other ways. It's important to note that last names can be influenced by many factors and may not always accurately represent an individual's ethnic or geographic ancestry.
Variations of the surname Garritson
The surname Garritson is of Dutch origin, believed to be derived from the personal name Gerrit, a Dutch form of Gerard. Variations can be identified by the ways it was recorded as officials wrote it down in historical documents, often spelling it as it sounded.
The more common variants of Garritson include Garrison, Gerritsen, Gerritson, Garretson, Garitson, Gerrison and even Garison. Some other less common variants could potentially be Garryson, Garrysen, Garytson, Garetson, and Garisonn.
The "son" suffix in the name likely indicates Scandinavian influence; it suggests "son of Gerrit." This patronymic naming was common in Holland and Scandinavia, creating surnames indicating lineage.
Altering the spelling of surnames over time was common due to a variety of factors, including the assimilation into a new language or culture, or even due to clerical errors in recording.
Therefore, identifying the exact variants can be a complex process, but the ones mentioned above are some of the most likely and commonly seen variations of the surname Garritson.
Famous people with the name Garritson
While the surname Garritson isn't overly common among famous individuals, there are a few noteworthy people who bear the name. One of these individuals is Matthew Garritson, a concert pianist who has performed internationally and garnered critical acclaim for his talent and technique. Another individual is Robert E. Garritson, a prominent figure in the fields of railroad history and photography. Unfortunately, not many more famous individuals with the last name Garritson can be found. It's possible that there may be others in industries or fields less susceptible to public recognition and fame. The name Garritson, while not overly common, has left its mark in the realms of music and history.