Gareth
Gareth is a boy name of Welsh (uncertain), via Arthurian legend origin, meaning “Gentle; possibly 'gentleness'”.
| Meaning | Gentle; possibly 'gentleness' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Welsh (uncertain), via Arthurian legend |
| Pronunciation | GAR-eth |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | Wales, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand |
Meaning and origin of Gareth
Gareth is best known from Arthurian romance, where Sir Gareth is a knight of the Round Table and a brother of Gawain; Thomas Malory tells his story in Le Morte d'Arthur. The name's origin is uncertain. It is often linked to the Welsh word gwaredd, 'gentleness', though some scholars think it grew out of other Welsh or French name forms in the romances. It became a popular given name in Wales and Britain in the twentieth century.
Is Gareth a religious name?
Gareth is not a biblical or saint's name; its roots are in medieval legend, and it is used by families of any or no faith, though most commonly in Christian Wales and Britain.
How popular is Gareth?
Familiar in Wales and the wider UK, especially for men born in the 1960s to 1980s; less common for babies today.
Gifts with the name Gareth
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Spellings and variants of Gareth
Names similar to Gareth
More boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gareth mean?
Gareth means 'Gentle; possibly 'gentleness''. It is of Welsh (uncertain), via Arthurian legend origin.
Does Gareth have a religious meaning?
Gareth is not a biblical or saint's name; its roots are in medieval legend, and it is used by families of any or no faith, though most commonly in Christian Wales and Britain.
How do you pronounce Gareth?
Gareth is pronounced GAR-eth.
Is Gareth a boy or girl name?
Gareth is usually a boy name.