Find out how popular the first name Gaither has been for the last 18 years (from 1975 to 1992) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gaither by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Gaither is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1992, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Gaither.

The history of the first name Gaither

The given name Gaither has its origins in the German language, deriving from the Old German name Gaithar or Gaithor. It is believed to have emerged sometime between the 6th and 8th centuries during the Middle Ages. The name is composed of two elements - "gait" meaning a goat, and "har" meaning army or warrior, translating to "goat army" or "goat warrior."

Historically, the name Gaither was popular among Germanic tribes, particularly the Franks and the Alemanni, who inhabited regions of modern-day Germany and France. It was a common practice among these tribes to name their children after strong and valiant animals, symbolizing strength, courage, and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gaither can be found in the Codex Sangallensis, a 9th-century manuscript from the Abbey of Saint Gall in Switzerland. The manuscript mentions a Frankish nobleman named Gaither who held a prominent position in the court of Charlemagne, the famous Carolingian ruler.

In the later medieval period, the name Gaither appeared in various chronicles and historical records across different regions of Europe. One notable bearer of the name was Gaither von Ravensburg, a 14th-century German knight and military commander who served under the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV.

Another prominent figure with the name Gaither was Gaither Pryor, an English Puritan minister and theologian who lived in the 17th century. He was a staunch advocate of religious reform and played a significant role in the English Civil War.

In the realm of literature, the name Gaither was immortalized in the epic poem "The Song of Roland," which chronicles the exploits of the legendary French knight Roland and his faithful companion, Gaither. This work, composed in the 11th century, became a cornerstone of medieval French literature and helped to further popularize the name.

Other notable individuals who bore the name Gaither throughout history include Gaither Semmes, an American naval officer who served in the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War, and Gaither Prioleau, a South Carolina politician and plantation owner in the 18th century.

While the name Gaither has fallen out of widespread use in modern times, its historical significance and rich cultural heritage continue to intrigue scholars and name enthusiasts alike, serving as a testament to the fascinating origins and evolution of given names across different cultures and eras.

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 Gaither was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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