Meaning & History. From an English surname which was derived from the given name GERALD or GERARD. A famous bearer of the surname was Pat Garrett (1850-1908), the sheriff who shot Billy the Kid.
Definition of avocational. 1  1 : of or relating to an avocation an avocational interest in sports. 2  2 : being such by avocation an avocational musician.
Avocation vs. vocation. A vocation is a calling, an occupation, or a large undertaking for which one is especially suited. It can be roughly synonymous with career or profession, though vocation connotes a seriousness or a commitment that these words donât always bear. An avocation is something done in addition to oneâs vocationâusually a hobby. Both are rooted in the Latin vocÄre, meaning to call. In its early English use, vocation usually had religious implications. One who had a vocation was called by God toward a certain line of work, often the priesthood.