Surname Gates - Meaning and Origin
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Surprising Ancestral Connections Revealed: A DNA Testament to My Gates Legacy
Unraveling the tangled threads of their family history through a DNA test at iGENEA, the test-taker gets unexpected insights into their ancestors named Gates. Eastern European and Scandinavian connections were discovered, bringing a sense of wonder, empathy, and a broader global perspective.
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read moreGates: What does the surname Gates mean?
The surname Gates is of Old English origin and has a few possible meanings. It could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near the gates of a walled town, originating from the Middle English term "gates," which means "gate." It could also have been occupational, representing a gatekeeper or a watchman. The gates themselves are usually defensive fortifications or barriers at the entrance to a town, castle, churchyard, or other place of importance. Names derived in this way are often called 'habitation names' in surname terminology, reflecting the location associated with the original bearer such as natural features, businesses, types of houses, and so forth. Hence, the bearer of the Gates surname would be associated with living or working close to such a gateway. Therefore, this name would be considered habitational or occupational. It is also found in early records spelled as Yate, Gait, and Gaites. Famous bearers of this surname include Bill Gates, the American business magnate and co-founder of Microsoft.
Order DNA origin analysisGates: Where does the name Gates come from?
The surname Gates is of English origins, dating back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "gatu," meaning "gates." The surname was typically given to individuals living near the gates of a town or village, or to a gatekeeper or watchman, making it an excellent example of an occupational or locational surname.
The Gates name is common in countries with a history of British colonies or influence, with a significant number of bearers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. One of the most popular figures bearing this surname is Bill Gates, the American business magnate and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. The distribution of the Gates surname in the United States tends to be more concentrated in the Northern states. Nonetheless, it is widely spread across the country, reflecting centuries of migration and settlement.
In the UK, the surname Gates is most commonly found in the southeastern part of the country, especially in the counties of Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire. Despite its British origin, the surname is less frequently found in the UK than in the United States.
Variations of the surname Gates
The surname Gates originally came from the Old Norse word "gata," which means "road" or "path." It was usually given to someone who lived by a road or a path. It can also be of occupational origin, given to a gatekeeper. Variations of the name Gates can be found across Europe, largely influenced by regional linguistic variations. Some of these include Gatte, Gat, Gattez, and Gaites.
One common phonetic variant is Gaits. In some instances, a spelling variation employing the prefix 'de' (as in De Gates) might be used. In German, a similar sounding surname, Goetz, can sometimes be confused with Gates.
The surname Gates is fairly common in English-speaking countries, and there may be variations depending on geographical location and historical context. This could include Gatess, Gatts, or Gaites. Some distinct but similar surnames could include Yates or Dates.
However, as with any surname, it's important to remember that the presence of a similar surname doesn't necessarily mean a familial connection, as surnames developed independently in different regions for a variety of reasons.
Famous people with the name Gates
- Bill Gates: Business tycoon, former CEO and founder of Microsoft Corporation, philanthropist and one of the richest men in the world.
- Melinda Gates: Philanthropist, businesswoman, and ex-wife of Bill Gates. She co-founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Jennifer Katharine Gates: The eldest daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates.
- Phoebe Adele Gates: The youngest daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates.
- Rory John Gates: The only son of Bill and Melinda Gates.
- Antonio Gates: An American former professional football player. He has been one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history.
- Robert Gates: The former Secretary of Defense to U.S. Presidents, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
- Horatio Gates: Was a retired British soldier who served as an American general during the Revolutionary War.
- Kevin Gates: an American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur.
- Emma Gates: An American musician and the lead vocalist of the goth rock band, Black Sabbath.
- Henry Louis Gates Jr.: An American literary critic, scholar, writer, and a public intellectual. He is also the host of the PBS television series, Finding Your Roots.