English
The surname Garretson is of English origin. The name represents 'the son of Gerard'. The surname is derived from the personal given name Gerard introduced into Britain by the Normans at the time of the Conquest. It is composed of the Germanic elements 'geri', 'gari', spear and 'hard', hardy, brave, strong. It may also be derived from the personal given name Gerald, introduced into Britain by the Normans. It is composed of the Germanic elements 'geri', 'gari' spear and 'wald', rule. This name died out in England at the end of the thirteenth century, however it continued in Ireland, where it had been brought in the twelfth century, at the time of Strongbow's invasion. The name was revived in England in the nineteenth century, along with several other long-extinct names of Germanic and Celtic origin. The name dates as far back as the twelfth century were a Nicholas de Gerdeston is recorded in historical archives. The name was brought to America by English immigrants. The exact date that this name was brought to North America is not certain but it is believed that the name came to America during the great migration of the seventeenth century.This name is the four-hundredth and fifty-fifth most common surname in America.