Find out how popular the first name Gatlin has been for the last 43 years (from 1981 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gatlin by gender

Based on the last 43 years of data, Gatlin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Gatlin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 303 male babies and 6 female babies born with the name Gatlin.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby girls were named Gatlin in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Gatlin

The given name Gatlin is believed to have originated from the Old English word "gat," which means "goat." This suggests that the name may have been initially used as a surname for someone who worked with or kept goats. The earliest recorded use of the name Gatlin dates back to the 16th century in England.

In the late 16th century, a man named John Gatlin was recorded as residing in the village of Walsall, Staffordshire, England. He was a farmer and is believed to be one of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Gatlin.

During the 17th century, the name Gatlin started to gain popularity in the American colonies. One of the notable individuals with this name was Richard Gatlin, born in 1635 in Virginia. He was a prominent tobacco farmer and landowner in the colony.

In the 18th century, a man named Gatlin Rucker served as a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He fought in several battles against the British forces and is known for his bravery and service to the cause of American independence.

Another historical figure with the name Gatlin was James Gatlin, born in 1790 in North Carolina. He was a successful businessman and plantation owner who played a significant role in the development of the cotton industry in the southern United States.

In the 19th century, one of the most famous individuals with the name Gatlin was Richard Jordan Gatlin, born in 1809 in Tennessee. He was a renowned educator and author who wrote several books on teaching methods and educational philosophy. Gatlin's work had a significant impact on the development of educational practices in the United States.

Throughout history, the name Gatlin has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including farmers, soldiers, businessmen, and educators. While its origins can be traced back to Old English, the name has maintained its presence and significance over the centuries, particularly in the United States.

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

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

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