Garmash (or Harmash in Ukrainian, Belarusian), (Cyrillic: Гармаш) is a Ruthenian (Ukrainian and Belarusian) last name derived from the word гармата (Ukr., Bel. harmáta, "gun, cannon"). It was originally the name given to Cossack gunners (artillerymen) as well as gunsmiths (cannon founders) at the Zaporozhian Sich.[1]
A possible alternative origin is the Prussian word Garme (Gorme), “heat, warm”.[2] Cf. Skr. ghṛṇa, Gk. thermos (θερμός), Av. garəma, O.Pers.garmapada, Pers. garme, Phryg. germe, Thrac. germas, Arm. jerm, O.Pruss. goro, Lith. garas, Ltv. gars, Russ. žar, O.Ir. fogeir, Welsh gori, Alb. zjarr, Kashmiri germi, garū'm.