Find out how popular the first name Gaines has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gaines by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Gaines is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gaines.

The history of the first name Gaines

The given name Gaines is derived from the Old French word "gaaigner," which means "to gain" or "to earn." It is believed to have originated in the 12th century during the Norman period in England. The name was likely given to individuals who were successful in their endeavors, whether it was in battle, business, or other pursuits.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gaines can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of the great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this document, there is a reference to a landowner named Gaines de Vere, who held estates in Buckinghamshire.

During the Middle Ages, the name Gaines became associated with nobility and was commonly used among the upper classes in England and France. Records show that in the 13th century, a knight named Sir Gaines de Montfort fought alongside King Edward I in the conquest of Wales.

In the 16th century, the name gained prominence with the birth of Gaines Peverell, an English philosopher and author who wrote extensively on the topic of ethics and morality. His works, published in 1567, were widely read and influenced many scholars of his time.

Another notable figure with the name Gaines was Gaines Hawkins, an English explorer and navigator who accompanied Sir Francis Drake on his famous circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580. Hawkins' detailed accounts of their journey played a crucial role in advancing geographical knowledge during the Age of Exploration.

In the 18th century, Gaines Wilberforce, a prominent British abolitionist and philanthropist, was born in 1759. He dedicated his life to the cause of ending slavery and worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for the movement. Wilberforce's efforts were instrumental in the eventual abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire in 1807.

While the name Gaines has its roots in the Old French language and was prominent among the nobility and upper classes in medieval Europe, it has since transcended these origins and can be found in various cultures and societies around the world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gaines was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gaines, please contact us.

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