For girls, the name itself is quite old and has been around since the 1890s. There have never been more than 20 female births with this name in a given year (USA), however. In 2018, there were only 5 girls given this name.
The Judy Garland association would probably make this a difficult name to live with, as she is a gay icon, and I bet many kids in school would be aware of it. Not good in this world of heterosexist tyranny. The name sounds quite pretentious as a first name.
The Judy Garland association would be fantastic. She was a GREAT singer and a GREAT actress. She is not a gay icon. Whoever said that is stupid. I love this name. :D And I had an uncle "Gar" so I don't see what is wrong with that name? It's fantastic. I love it. :)
― Anonymous User 10/19/2010
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I know a girl by this name, named for a Garland, as in a Garland of flowers. Her second name is Peony.
I think the name is very unique, and I like it, but I keep on envisaging a Garland of flowers, so I can't really say it's too masculine, despite the fact that it sounds strong.
― Anonymous User 5/19/2007
0
My friend's little brother's name is Garland. Everyone calls him Gar. Poor kid, he wants to play guitar in a heavy-metal band.
― Anonymous User 5/7/2007
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Cap Garland was a classmate of the author Laura Ingalls Wilder. He is mentioned in her later Little House books, appearing in The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, and These Happy Golden Years.
My husband's name is Garland. And It is an older unpopular name. But I believe it is a Very Strong, Manly name. It was passed down to him from his grandfather. He also has a very unique and rare middle name, "Randolph". Although I at times tell him he has a Christmas name, Garland is a tree trimming item, and Randolph is so close to Rudolph. I just like to tease him. He is my festivities. And I love his name.