Origin
The surname Garfield originates from Old English elements: 'gar' meaning 'spear' and 'feld' meaning 'open country' or 'field'. It first appeared in medieval England as a toponymic surname, referencing people from places called Garfield in Nottinghamshire and Cumberland. The name became a given name largely due to the fame of the American cartoon character, Garfield the cat, created by Jim Davis in 1978, which gained global popularity. In Australia, the surname is most common among descendants of English immigrants and is also associated with notable political and cultural figures.
Meaning
Literally 'spear field' — symbolising a cleared field used for spear-throwing or hunting in ancient times. In Australian English contexts, it carries an adventurous, playful, and relatable connotation, influenced heavily by popular culture.
Pronunciation
/ˈɡɑːlfɪld/ (GAR-field, stress on the first syllable) in Australian English pronunciation, with a clear 'r' and slightly elongated 'a', typical of Australian accents.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Garfeild (misspelling)
- Garf (diminutive)
- Garry (colloquial)
Nicknames
- Garry
- Garf
Name Days
- 19 June (Feast of Saint Romuald, in Catholic tradition)
- 19 June (Māori celebration of Matariki, marking new beginnings — culturally adapted in some communities)'],
- pairing_recommendations:[
- James and William
- Alec and Maxine
- Liam and Charlotte
- Ben and Zoe qui
- Jacob and Emily
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with garfield:
- , (Famous Australian actor)
- Antony and Samantha (Common Australian pairings)
- Kelly and Jordan (Unisex options)
Fun Facts
- Garfield was once the name of a famous Australian racehorse.
- The character Garfield is widely credited with popularising the name globally.
- In some rural Australian communities, 'Garfield' is used colloquially to refer to an old or nostalgic sense of Australian bush culture.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name garfield:
- playful
- friendly
- adventurous
- loyal
- humorous
Aesthetic Qualities
Visual appeal is classic and straightforward, often associated with a casual, friendly vibe suited for informal Australian contexts and media branding.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in urbanised regions like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, but also found in rural communities where historical family names persist across generations.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking, fitting the playful yet thoughtful personality traits often attributed to the name.
Astrological Connections
The name correlates with zodiac signs Gemini and Leo, emphasizing communication, friendliness, and leadership qualities, aligning well with Australian cultural values of mateship and resilience.
Historical Context
The name gained cultural prominence from Jim Davis's comic strip 'Garfield', which debuted in 1978 and became a household name worldwide. Several Australian authors and characters have adopted the name, often to evoke friendliness or humour.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name is readily adapted into various languages with similar phonetic structures, retaining its spelling in most Western languages, although pronounced slightly differently.
Famous People Named garfield
- Garfield (comic strip character) - internationally renowned comic cat
- Garfield Bold (Australian painter known for urban landscapes)
- Garfield Barwick (former Chief Justice of Australia)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |