Garrison Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Garrison come from? What does the surname Garrison mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Garrison and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Garrison Origin: What does the last name Garrison mean?
Garrison is an English surname and given name that originated from "son of Gerard," brought from the patronymic name Gerhardsen during the Viking Invasion. It is important to note that the name is not related to the word "garrison." Notable individuals with the surname include American right-wing political cartoonist Ben Garrison and American abolitionist leader William Lloyd Garrison. The earliest record of the Garrison surname can be traced back to England in the early 16th century, with a growing frequency of appearances in the United States from the 17th century onward.
YourRoots data confirms the global spread of the Garrison surname, particularly in the United States, where it surpassed the United Kingdom in frequency over the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Garrison surname is prominent in the United States but is also recorded in various other countries, reflecting its widespread presence across the world. The name Garrison carries a historical legacy rooted in English heritage and continues to be a prevalent surname in multiple cultures and regions.
Garrison Last Name History: Where did the last name Garrison come from?
Origin of Garrison Surname: Where does the last name Garrison originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest record of the surname Garrison can be traced back to England, United Kingdom around the early 16th century. The data only reflects those records that specifically carry the “Garrison” spelling and does not account for other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Garrison: What does the Garrison surname history look like in the early days?
The YourRoots data suggests that the Garrison surname was primarily associated with the United Kingdom in the 16th century. However, from the 17th century onward, the surname's frequency in records started growing considerably in the United States. The Garrison surname can also be found in other countries during this period, indicating a gradual global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Garrison surname today?
The volume of records carrying the Garrison surname saw a significant increase in the United States from the 17th century onward. The trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, with the United States surpassing the United Kingdom in the frequency of the Garrison surname. The Garrison surname today is prominent in the United States but is also recorded in several other countries, reflecting its global spread.
Explore Garrison last name heritage and Garrison surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Garrison Surame?
Jim Garrison
James Carothers Garrison (born Earling Carothers Garrison; November 20, 1921 – October 21, 1992) was the District Attorney of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, best known for his investigations into the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Garrison's prosecution of New Orleans businessman Clay Shaw was the basis for Oliver Stone's film JFK. He served as a state appellate court judge and authored three books. Despite controversies and legal battles, Garrison's legacy in the Kennedy assassination investigation remains significant in American history.
William Lloyd Garrison
William Lloyd Garrison (December 10, 1805 – May 24, 1879) was an American abolitionist, journalist, and social reformer best known for his anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator. Garrison founded the paper in 1831 and played a key role in the abolition of slavery in the United States. He also supported women's rights and became a prominent voice for the women's suffrage movement. Garrison promoted "no-governmentism" and rejected the American government's authority due to its involvement in war, imperialism, and slavery. His belief in individual sovereignty and critique of coercive authority have influenced modern libertarian thought. Garrison recognized the necessity of armed struggle to end slavery during the Civil War and advocated for immediate emancipation of slaves.
William F. Garrison
William F. Garrison (born 27 Jun 1944) is a retired American major general known for commanding the United States forces during Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia in 1993. He had a distinguished military career, serving in special operations units and commanding Task Force Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu. Despite setbacks in the operation, Garrison was praised by his subordinates for his leadership and dedication to his soldiers. After retiring as a major general in 1996, he settled on a ranch in Texas. Garrison is portrayed by Sam Shepard in the film "Black Hawk Down," based on the events of Operation Gothic Serpent.
David Garrison
David Earl Garrison (born Jun 30, 1952) is an American actor and singer known for his role as Steve Rhoades in the TV series Married... with Children. He has also appeared in various theatrical productions, including Broadway shows like Wicked and A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine. Garrison has received nominations for Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his performances. He has a diverse career in both television and theater, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor and singer.
Lane Garrison
Lane Allen Garrison (born May 23, 1980) is an American actor known for his role as Tweener on the hit TV series Prison Break. He also appeared in the series From Dusk till Dawn and played Buck Barrow in the miniseries Bonnie & Clyde. Garrison's career hit a major setback when he faced legal troubles, including a conviction for vehicular manslaughter and DUI. Despite these challenges, he continues to work in the entertainment industry and welcomed a daughter with his fiancée in 2018.
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