Surname Gatlin - Meaning and Origin

Gatlin: What does the surname Gatlin mean?

The surname Gatlin is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a personal name. It is a diminutive of the given name "Gat", which is a metonymic occupational name for a keeper of goats, originating from the Olde English pre-7th Century term "gat", meaning goat. The suffix "-lin" is a diminutive implying 'the son of Gat'. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation and were often derived from a person's occupation or their father's name. Thus, a person who was a goat keeper or a son of a goat keeper might have been given the surname Gatlin. Like many surnames, over centuries and across continents, the spelling and pronunciation could have changed based on regional dialects and languages. Today, this surname is found most prevalently in the United States, influenced by the history of British colonization.

Gatlin: Where does the name Gatlin come from?

The surname Gatlin is of English origin and it is believed to be a variation of the name Gatland, derived from a place name in Sussex. The name Gatland itself is considered to originate from the old English elements 'gat' meaning 'goat' and 'land' indicating 'pasture or open country'. Thus, Gatlin could potentially mean 'goat pasture.'

As to where it's common today, according to the distribution patterns over the last few years, the surname Gatlin has a higher concentration in the United States. Though it's scattered throughout the entire country, a sizeable number of Gatlins are known to reside in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. It's also found, though less commonly, in countries like Canada, Australia, and England. The name came into the limelight because of Justin Gatlin, an American sprinter who won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. However, it’s important to note that the surname, compared to more common ones, is still considered relatively rare.

Variations of the surname Gatlin

The surname Gatlin has a few variants and alternative spellings which have evolved over time and across regions. Some of these include Gatlyn, Gatlen, Gatling, and Gattlin. The common variations of this surname in other countries or cultures may change slightly depending on the language's phonetic assimilation of the name.

Gatlin is believed to be of English origin, though its specific roots are somewhat unclear, it seems to have been derived from a personal name, possibly from the Old Norse name "Gautr," or from the Old English words "geat," meaning "goat," and "linn," referring to a waterfall or pond, suggesting an occupational origin related to goat herding or a topographic origin related to a place of residence.

Because surnames may often change due to movements, changes in language, or alterations for simplicity, other potential variants might exist. But overall, Gatlin and its variations are relatively rare surnames. Many of these variations may be found scattered across America, England, and other English-speaking countries. In terms of frequency, Gatlin and Gatling appear to be the most common variants.

Famous people with the name Gatlin

• Larry Gatlin: An American country and Southern gospel singer and songwriter.
• Justin Gatlin: An American sprinter who specializes in the 100 and 200 meters events. He is a five-time Olympic medalist and a 12-time World Championship medalist.
• Steve Gatlin: Larry Gatlin's brother. Also a country and gospel singer, part of "The Gatlin Brothers".
• Rudy Gatlin: Another one of Larry Gatlin's brothers. He is also a member of "The Gatlin Brothers".
• Crystal Joy Gatlin: Is an American music composer and writer.
• Tony Gatlin: An American basketball player who played for the East Carolina Pirates.
• Jeremy Gatlin: An American professional basketball player who has played overseas.
• Jennifer Harvey Gatlin: An American actress known for her work in The Beast (2009), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) and DR. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993).
• William Gatlin: A brigadier general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.
• John Gatlin: A Major League Baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Quakers.
• Sue Gatlin: An American singer, best known for her hit singles "Two of Hearts" and "Let the Music Play".

Other surnames

Gatling