Gates Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Gates has its origins in Old English, meaning 'gate' or 'opening'. It has evolved from 'geat' in Old English to 'gate' in Middle English and finally to its modern form. The name has a strong association with important urban features and has gained modern popularity due to notable individuals. There is no significant biblical relevance associated with the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Gates"
Pronunciation
/ɡeɪts/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The surname Gates is derived from the Old English word 'geat', meaning 'gate' or 'opening'. It originally referred to someone who lived near a gate or who was a gatekeeper.
Meaning
gate, opening
Language Evolution
Old English: geat, Middle English: gate, Modern English: Gates
Historical Usage
The surname began to gain popularity in England during the Middle Ages, particularly as towns developed and gates became significant markers of urban life.
Variants & Derivatives
Gate, Gait, Gateson
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Gates is often associated with technology and philanthropy, largely due to the prominence of figures like Bill Gates.
Famous People
Bill Gates, Robert Gates, Melinda Gates
📊 Gates Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Gates Name Visualizations
✨ Gates Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 37 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Gates"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Gates"
"Gates" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5519th of 7545 | 22 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6076th of 6773 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5937th of 7552 | 17 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8362nd of 16616 | 52 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 7958th of 24088 | 130 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5519th of 23106 | 198 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 16492nd of 27321 | 31 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 28314th of 35406 | 13 |
Regional Popularity of "Gates" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
63.97% 4364th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Gates" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Gates"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Gates" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Gates" in the United States
The name Gates is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Gates has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Gates' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5519th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6076th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5937th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10718th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8362nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7958th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5519th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16492nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 28314th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Gates' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.