Surname Jarrett - Meaning and Origin

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F. Jarrett

Jarrett: What does the surname Jarrett mean?

The surname Jarrett is of Norman origin and has multiple interpretations. It is thought to be derived from the personal name Gerard, popular during the Middle Ages, which itself comes from the Germanic elements "geri" or "gari" meaning "spear", and "hard" meaning "hardy", "brave" or "strong". Therefore, it broadly translates to "brave with a spear" or "spear-strong". Another interpretation posits that Jarrett may be an anglicized version of the French surname Jarry or Gervais, while some believe it could also derive from the Old English name Gerald, meaning "rule of the spear". Like many surnames, it initially began as a baptismal name "son of Gerard" before transitioning to a surname. Throughout history, the name has been spelled in numerous ways including Jarrett, Jarratt, Jarret, Jarrat, and Garet. Despite the various possible origins, all interpretations entail strength and resilience, particularly in the context of warfare, reflecting the societal values of the era in which the name originated.

Jarrett: Where does the name Jarrett come from?

The surname Jarrett is known to be of British origin, specifically from the regions of England and Ireland. It is derived from the personal name Gerard, encompassing the Old German elements “geri” or “gari” which mean "spear", and “hard” that means "hardy, brave, strong". The name also has roots in the Norman personal name Gerard, brought to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and subsequently introduced to Ireland by Anglo-Norman settlers.

Today, the surname Jarrett is common in many English-speaking countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. The United States in particular has a significant number of individuals with the last name Jarrett due to historic British emigration patterns. In the UK, it is most prevalently found in the regions of East Anglia and the South East. In Ireland, it is common in the province of Leinster.

Variations of the surname Jarrett

The surname Jarrett can have several variations and spellings, reflecting its diverse origins. Some of these include Jarret, Jarratt, Jarrat, Jarrot, Jarrott, Garrett, Gerrard, and Garett. These variations can be seen across different cultures and regions and sometimes arose due to phonetic interpretations or errors in record-keeping.

The name has multiple origins. It can be of French origin from the personal name Gerard, composed of the elements "geri", meaning spear, and "hard", meaning hardy, brave, or strong. It can also come from the Old Germanic personal name Gerhard. There are several forms of this personal name in different languages, such as Gerard in French, Gerhardt in German, and Gerrit in Dutch, which further contribute to the variety of spellings.

The surname can also be of Irish origin, in which case it is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Gearailt, meaning "son of Gerard or Gerald". In this case, the variants could include MacGeraghty, MacGarrity, and MacGarty.

It's important to remember that the spelling and variant of the surname can often provide clues to a family's geographic origin, migration patterns, and history.

Famous people with the name Jarrett

• Valerie Jarrett: former senior advisor to President Barack Obama.
• Keith Jarrett: Grammy Award-winning jazz musician.
• Claire Jarrett: British author and playwright.
• Derryck Jarrett: British director and producer.
• Jackie Jarrett: American television and film actress.
• Lorraine Jarrett: British playwright and actress.
• Katie Jarrett: Canadian professional figure skater.
• Joshua Jarrett: British stage, film and television actor.
• Cybill Shepherd: American actress and singer.
• Mo'Nique: American stand-up comedian, actress, singer and television host.
• Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly: American film and television actress.
• Ashley Jarrett: American photographer and artist.
• Royce Jarrett: American folk singer/songwriter.
• Cadet Kadeem Jarrett: British hip-hop artist.
• Roberta Jarrett: German-American television host and actress.
• Tommy Jarrett: American football player.
• Louie Jarrett: British radio DJ and television presenter.
• Tiffany Jarrett: American basketball player.
• Kerry Jarrett: Australian rugby league player.
• Duncan Jarrett: British actor.

Other surnames

JarrelJarrell