Find out how popular the last name Gabay is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Gabay.

Gabay, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Gabay surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Gabay in America

Gabay is the 28158th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gabay surname appeared 850 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Gabay.

We can also compare 2010 data for Gabay to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Gabay

The surname Gabay originated in the Philippines, with its roots tracing back to the early 16th century during the Spanish colonization of the archipelago. It is believed to have derived from the Visayan word "gabay," meaning "guide" or "leader," suggesting that the name may have been bestowed upon individuals who held positions of authority or guidance within their communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gabay can be found in the historical records of the town of Dapitan, located in the present-day province of Zamboanga del Norte. These records, dating back to the late 17th century, mention a prominent family with the surname Gabay who played a significant role in the town's development and governance.

The name Gabay also appeared in various Spanish colonial documents, such as land grants and census records, indicating its widespread use during the Spanish era. Some of these documents refer to individuals with the surname Gabay as landowners, merchants, or government officials, further solidifying the connection between the name and positions of leadership or influence.

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Gabay throughout history is Juan Gabay (1820-1895), a renowned educator and advocate for Philippine independence from Spanish rule. He established several schools in the Visayas region and played a crucial role in promoting education and national identity among the Filipino people.

Another prominent figure was Maria Gabay (1865-1932), a pioneering feminist and activist who fought for women's rights and social reforms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her writings and speeches inspired generations of women to seek equality and empowerment.

In the realm of literature, Pedro Gabay (1892-1967) was a celebrated poet and novelist whose works explored themes of love, identity, and the complexities of Filipino society during the American colonial period. His poems and novels are widely studied and celebrated as significant contributions to Philippine literature.

The name Gabay has also been associated with several notable figures in the field of politics and governance. Miguel Gabay (1910-1988) was a respected statesman who served as a senator and played a pivotal role in shaping post-World War II Philippines.

Lastly, Lourdes Gabay (1932-2018) was a renowned artist and sculptor whose works celebrated Filipino culture and traditions. Her intricate sculptures and installations earned her international recognition and numerous accolades throughout her career.

While the surname Gabay has its origins in the Philippines, it has since spread to various parts of the world through migration and diaspora communities. Regardless of its geographic location, the name continues to carry a strong connection to its roots, symbolizing guidance, leadership, and a deep appreciation for Filipino heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gabay

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Gabay.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Gabay was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Gabay has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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