Variant of Garrett, from Gerard, meaning 'brave with a spear' from Germanic roots.
Jarrett is a variant of Garrett, itself a form of the Germanic name Gerald, composed of the elements "ger" (spear) and "wald" (rule) — meaning, roughly, one who rules by the spear. Through Norman French influence following the 1066 conquest of England, Gerald and its variants became common across the British Isles. Over time, Garrett evolved into a strong English surname, and like many surnames, eventually migrated back into use as a given name.
Jarrett represents a softer, more melodic spelling of this lineage, with the double "r" and final "t" giving it a crisp, modern energy while retaining deep historical roots. The name is most luminously associated with Keith Jarrett, widely regarded as one of the most gifted pianists in jazz history. His 1975 "Köln Concert" — an entirely improvised solo performance recorded live at the Cologne Opera House — became the best-selling piano album and the best-selling solo jazz album of all time.
Jarrett's virtuosity, intensity, and willingness to take extraordinary creative risks gave the name an artistic prestige that resonates with music lovers around the world. In a different register, the Jarrett family has appeared as characters in American fiction and drama, and the name carries the easy confidence of someone equally at home in a boardroom and on a back porch. As a given name, Jarrett sits in interesting territory: recognizable but not overused, with a strong consonant structure that wears well through childhood and adulthood alike.
It benefited from the late-twentieth-century fashion for surname-style given names and remains a choice for parents who want something with genuine historical depth but less common than a Jacob or a James. The name has an unhurried, assured quality — much like the music of its most famous bearer.