Gareth
Of Old Welsh origin and cognate with the Welsh name Geraint (from Latin Gerontius (“old man”), from Ancient Greek γέρων (gérōn, “old man”)) or perhaps the word…
Every Gareth since 1916 — 4,394 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Gareth
Gareth is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #2,776 in 2025 with 46 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1916, 4,394 American babies have been named Gareth. Its peak came in 2016, when 104 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Gareth stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Gareth year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 46 | #2,776 |
| 2024 | — | — | 50 | #2,645 |
| 2023 | — | — | 47 | #2,746 |
| 2022 | — | — | 55 | #2,501 |
| 2021 | — | — | 44 | #2,834 |
| 2020 | — | — | 47 | #2,670 |
| 2019 | — | — | 58 | #2,350 |
| 2018 | — | — | 67 | #2,106 |
| 2017 | — | — | 88 | #1,751 |
| 2016 | — | — | 104 | #1,580 |
| 2015 | — | — | 102 | #1,582 |
| 2014 | — | — | 102 | #1,562 |
| 2013 | — | — | 53 | #2,376 |
| 2012 | — | — | 45 | #2,691 |
| 2011 | — | — | 52 | #2,414 |
| 2010 | — | — | 49 | #2,525 |
| 2009 | — | — | 44 | #2,775 |
| 2008 | — | — | 52 | #2,443 |
| 2007 | — | — | 54 | #2,387 |
| 2006 | — | — | 56 | #2,263 |
| 2005 | — | — | 75 | #1,761 |
| 2004 | — | — | 66 | #1,862 |
| 2003 | — | — | 81 | #1,569 |
| 2002 | — | — | 80 | #1,548 |
| 2001 | — | — | 71 | #1,650 |
| 2000 | — | — | 79 | #1,522 |
| 1995 | — | — | 75 | #1,363 |
| 1990 | — | — | 64 | #1,400 |
| 1985 | — | — | 49 | #1,395 |
| 1980 | — | — | 51 | #1,318 |
| 1975 | — | — | 30 | #1,674 |
| 1970 | — | — | 57 | #1,085 |
| 1965 | — | — | 24 | #1,606 |
| 1960 | — | — | 17 | #2,001 |
| 1955 | — | — | 20 | #1,752 |
| 1950 | — | — | 28 | #1,376 |
| 1945 | — | — | 26 | #1,309 |
| 1940 | — | — | 33 | #1,166 |
| 1935 | — | — | 25 | #1,372 |
| 1930 | — | — | 9 | #2,856 |
| 1925 | — | — | 14 | #2,235 |
| 1920 | — | — | 5 | #4,548 |
| 1915 | — | — | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — | — | — |
Famous people named Gareth
- Gareth Jones Journalist · 1905–1935
- Gareth Southgate Coach · b. 1970
- Gareth Barry Soccer player · b. 1981
- Gareth Edwards Film director · b. 1975
- Gareth Evans Film director · b. 1980
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Gareth mean?
Of Old Welsh origin and cognate with the Welsh name Geraint (from Latin Gerontius (“old man”), from Ancient Greek γέρων (gérōn, “old man”)) or perhaps the word gwareddawg, gwaredd (“gentleness”); see gwâr (“gentle”).
How popular is the name Gareth in 2025?
Gareth ranked #2,776 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 46 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Gareth?
4,394 babies have been named Gareth in the United States since 1916, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Gareth most popular?
Gareth peaked in 2016, when 104 newborns received the name.
Is Gareth a boy or girl name?
Gareth is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Gareth rising or falling?
Gareth is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Gareth?
Well-known people named Gareth include Gareth Jones (journalist), Gareth Southgate (coach), Gareth Barry (soccer player).