Surname Gaige - Meaning and Origin

Gaige: What does the surname Gaige mean?

The surname Gaige is an English and French name derived from Old French “gage” meaning “pledge” or “promise”. It may have originally referred to the holder of a pledge or promise, or to a holder of an old feudal tenure, or even to an arbitrator or mediator. Alternatively, it may be a toponymic surname, referring to a place the family held by pledge or promise. The earliest record of the surname in England dates to 1208, with a reference to William de Gaghe, a landholder in Somerset.

The surname has seen some spelling variations over the years such as Geage, Geuge, Gaige, Gage, Geagee, Geege, and Geeg. Some sources indicate a Scandinavian origin for Gaige, perhaps from “gaging” which was a term used by the Vikings to mean “gathering,” and Gaige may have referred to a gathering leader; however, this is not certain.

Today, the surname Gaige is mainly found in the United States, particularly in the Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic regions, although the name can be found in France and other countries. The meaning of the name Gaige remains unchanged from its Middle Ages roots—a pledge or promise to something, whether a Spanish castle long ago or a promise made to a loved one today.

Gaige: Where does the name Gaige come from?

The last name Gaige is commonly found throughout the United States and Canada. The name Gaige also has a history that dates back to the 15th century in England and Scotland. In the United States, Gaige is estimated to be the 3,958th most common surname overall with an approximate population of 48,945 individuals bearing the name. It is particularly common in the Southwestern states such as Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. It is also relatively common in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana.

It is particularly popular in larger cities such as Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Denver, and Detroit. In Canada, the last name Gaige is estimated to be the 4,798th most common surname overall with an approximate population of 8,948 individuals bearing the name. It is particularly common in the cities of Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa.

Overall, the descendants of the original Scottish and English migrants who bear the last name Gaige are widely dispersed throughout the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. In the United States, the name Gaige is still a prevalent name and can be found in larger cities and small towns alike.

Variations of the surname Gaige

The surname Gaige is a habitational name derived from the Anglo-Saxon word gage, meaning “enclosure” or “fenced in area”. It is found mainly in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

Variations and alternate spellings of Gaige may include Gajes, Gage, Gages, Gagy, Gaith, Gheys, Gayes, Gees, Gayberry, Galge, Gaege and Gayg.

Variants of the surname Gaige often depend on the particular region and dialect. In Scotland the name may have been spelled Gajes. In Ireland the spelling has sometimes been Gage. In the North of England the name may have been spelled Gages while in Wales it may have been Gees.

Surnames with similar origins to Gaige include Gayes, Gaege, Gayg, Gallge, Galge, Gayez, and Gyges. These names are all derived from the same Old English root meaning “enclosure” or “fenced in area”.

In the United States, the surname Gaige is uncommon and its variants are rarely seen. However, the name Gage is one of the more common surnames. It is especially prevalent in New England and the Midwest.

No matter where it is found, the surname Gaige is unimaginably old and full of history. Its many forms and variants demonstrate its enduring presence across many regions and languages.

Famous people with the name Gaige

• Christopher John Gaige, American Actor
• Tompall Glaser, American outlaw country music singer
• Treyvon Gaige, American musician
• Jenna Gaige, Activist & Singer
• Peter Gaige, Retired US Navy Rear Admiral
• Saul Gaige, American lawyer and judge
• Sam Gaige, Reining World Champion Horse Show Judge
• Deborah Gaige, English actress
• Meghan Gaige, Beauty Queen, Miss Teen Massachusetts 2014
• Noah Gaige, Canadian Olympic Figure Skater

Other surnames

Gaiger