Jim Davis named his famous comic strip cat “Garfield” after his grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis—not directly after President James A. Garfield. However, the grandfather’s name itself was almost certainly inspired by the future president, connecting the cat’s name indirectly to the historic figure.
James A. Garfield Davis, Jim Davis’s grandfather, was a large and cantankerous man, characteristics reflected in the grumpy personality of the comic’s cat. This personal family connection provided the immediate source for the name Garfield.
Garfield Davis was born in October 1880, just months after James A. Garfield was nominated for the presidency at the Republican Convention that summer. The timing strongly suggests his parents named him after the political figure. At the convention, President Garfield was unexpectedly nominated after a record-breaking, hard-fought series of ballots. Though neither a candidate initially nor campaigning, Garfield emerged as a compromise nominee and eventually won the presidency.
President Garfield’s background added to his appeal. He served with distinction in the Civil War, rising from colonel to major general. His courageous leadership, including moments under direct fire, earned widespread respect. This military legacy likely resonated with James A. Garfield Davis’s family, who descended from Indiana veterans and possibly shared Republican and abolitionist sympathies.
The family may have admired Garfield’s political stances. He was known for supporting the gold standard, civil rights for African Americans, and civil service reform, fighting corruption and machine politics. These progressive policies aligned well with Radical Republican positions during Reconstruction, a viewpoint that the Davis family probably favored, given the era and their background. Additionally, local pride may have played a role. The Davis family lived near Ohio, where Garfield had served nine terms as a popular congressman prior to his presidency.
Although the connection between President Garfield’s reputation and James A. Garfield Davis’s name is strong, the exact timing of the naming remains unclear. We know the grandfather was named before Garfield became President-elect in November 1880—in the wake of his nomination, but before his presidency began.
Jim Davis emphasizes that when he created the comic cat, he did not intend to reference the late 19th-century president. The cat was named for his grandfather, not as a political or historical statement. Davis tends to avoid public political commentary and prefers privacy. His occasional light responses to political questions and his sensitivity regarding military service in his family demonstrate his desire to keep his work and public persona separate from politics.
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cat Name Origin | Named after Jim Davis’s grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis |
| Grandfather’s Name Origin | Likely named after President James A. Garfield following 1880 Republican Convention |
| Connection to President Garfield | Indirect; a family tribute reflecting admiration of Garfield’s military and political legacy |
| Political Context | President Garfield supported abolition, civil service reform, and anti-corruption measures |
| Jim Davis’s Stance | Attributes name solely to grandfather; avoids political commentary regarding Garfield |
In summary:
- Garfield the cat’s name honors Jim Davis’s grandfather, not directly the president.
- The grandfather’s name traces back to President Garfield, reflecting the family’s respect for the president’s legacy.
- The naming shows historical, military, and political admiration filtered through family lore.
- Jim Davis maintains a strictly personal, non-political explanation for the cat’s name.
Why, exactly, did Jim Davis decide on “Garfield” as his cat’s name, and what was the connection, if any, to the (somewhat) famous President Garfield?
Jim Davis named his iconic orange feline “Garfield” after his own grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis—who himself was probably named after the 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield. So yes, there’s a family tree connection, but it’s rooted more in family than direct politics or historical homage.
Let’s unravel this intriguing naming story. It’s more like a cozy family anecdote than a presidential homage, though the president’s shadow looms in the background.
From Grandpa to Cartoon Cat: The Name Garfield
Jim Davis has openly said that his chubby, lasagna-loving cat’s name honors his grandfather, a man known for being “large and cantankerous.” That fits perfectly with Garfield’s grumpy personality, doesn’t it?
James A. Garfield Davis—Jim’s grandfather—was born in October 1880, just months after the Republican Convention that nominated future-President James A. Garfield. Here’s where history creeps into the family tale: Grandpa Garfield was almost certainly named after the president-to-be.
But the naming of Jim Davis’s cat is one step removed from President Garfield—it goes directly to the grandfather. So the cat’s name is both personal and a whisper of history.
The Political Backdrop: Why Was Grandpa Named Garfield?
In 1880, the Republican Convention was a chaotic affair. This wasn’t your average political meeting; it dragged on for days, with 36 ballots before James A. Garfield—who wasn’t even seeking the nomination—got thrust into the spotlight.
Grandpa Garfield came into the world amidst this tense political drama. Named after a man who was then a respected Army general and soon-to-be president, the name carried prestige and hope. The future President Garfield was esteemed for his brave service in the Civil War, rising from colonel to major general, even coming under fire personally during the Battle of Shiloh.
It’s fair to speculate that Grandpa’s parents admired James A. Garfield, not just as a politician but as a war hero. This admiration likely influenced their choice.
More Than Just Politics: Admiration and Regional Pride
Why would they name their son after a political figure? Several factors are at play:
- Military admiration: The elder Garfield’s war record was impressive and inspirational, especially to families with veterans.
- Political leanings: President Garfield was known for abolitionism, civil rights during Reconstruction, and cleaning up government corruption. Davis’s family, living in Indiana near Ohio (Garfield’s political base), might have shared these values.
- Local pride: Being near Ohio, the family possibly had a special admiration for the popular Congressman turned president.
So . . . the name wasn’t just a random choice or a quirky family tradition. It was a nod to a man who represented military courage, earnest politics, and reform.
What About Jim Davis Himself? Does He Have Any Political Intent in the Name?
Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield comics, is famously private and keen to keep politics out of his beloved lazy cat’s world. He states clearly that the cat is named for his grandfather—not the president.
He sidesteps political questions well. For instance, when asked unexpectedly about politics in 2018, he joked about what the “big orange cat” would think of political figures, then quickly changed the subject. Another time, he clarified that any unintended political misinterpretation of his comic strips was just a mishap, reaffirming his respect for military service in his family.
So, Jim Davis keeps Garfield politically neutral, much like the cat’s universal appeal: relatable, grumpy, and indifferent to political frays.
Why Does This Naming Story Matter Today?
We often hunt for deep meanings or grand political statements behind cultural icons. But Garfield’s name reminds us that personal, sometimes everyday choices can have fascinating backstories. Jim Davis’s grandfather was a real person with strong roots in a historical moment. This family connection humanizes the comic strip and grounds it in American history without preaching.
Moreover, learning about the connection reveals how historical figures influence everyday life, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s a subtle tribute to a president who isn’t as widely celebrated today, wrapped in the humor and warmth of a comic cat.
So, Next Time You See Garfield, Remember:
- The name originated with a cantankerous grandfather, who himself was named during a tumultuous political era.
- President James A. Garfield’s legacy—military valor, political reform, and moral stances—played a quiet role in that naming but remains in the background.
- Jim Davis rightly keeps the cat’s persona playful and apolitical, making Garfield a lovable figure for readers of all stripes.
Does this historical link deepen your appreciation for Garfield? Maybe. Or perhaps it just adds another layer of trivia to share at your next trivia night. Either way, Garfield lives on, forever grumpy but endlessly charming.
Final Thoughts
Jim Davis’s choice was personal, drawing from family history rather than political allegiances or a desire to comment on the presidency. It’s a name with layered meaning, even if the creator downplays political connections.
In the end, the cat “Garfield” is a delightful blend of history and family—as much a product of mid-19th-century politics as of a grandfather’s grumpy demeanor. And that’s a story worth savoring, like a plate of perfectly cooked lasagna.
