Garfield — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #7,492 in the US 4,447 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#7,492
▼ Down 329 since 2000
People in the US
4,447
1.51 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Garfield Surname

What does the last name Garfield mean?

The surname Garfield carries the meaning "From a field or open land." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,447 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Garfield ranks as the #7,492 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Garfield come from?

The Garfield surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Garfield name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Garfield trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Garfield
Meaning From a field or open land
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #7,492
US Count (2010) 4,447
Per 100K People 1.51
First Letter G

Ethnic Distribution of Garfield

According to the US Census, the Garfield surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,447 Americans with the Garfield last name.

White 74.84%
Black 13.58%
Hispanic 3.55%
Asian/PI 1.01%
Native American 5.08%
Two+ Races 1.93%
Ethnic distribution of the Garfield surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White74.84%
Black13.58%
Hispanic3.55%
Asian/Pacific Islander1.01%
Native American5.08%
Two or More Races1.93%

Popularity of Garfield Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Garfield surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#7,163
4,296 people
Down 329
Census 2010
#7,492
4,447 people

The number of Americans with the Garfield surname increased by 151 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Garfield Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Garfield ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Garfield

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Garfield.

Other English Surnames

Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Garfield.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garfield

The surname Garfield is of English origin. From a field or open land
The surname Garfield is ranked #7,492 in the United States with approximately 4,447 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a field or open land. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Garfield surname is distributed as: 74.8% White, 13.6% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Garfield ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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