Surname Gauge - Meaning and Origin

Gauge: What does the surname Gauge mean?

The last name Gauge has a variety of possible origins. Its use dates back many centuries, and remains a striking example of the power of surnames to signify a person's heritage or roots.

Gauge is a British name. It is thought to derive from the pre-7th century Old French words ‘gagier’ and ‘gaigeor’, meaning ‘lively’ and ‘sharp’ respectively, suggesting a spirited individual. In some cases, Gauge may also have come from the Norman term ‘Gaige’, meaning ‘pledge’.

Gauge could also have been used to indicate the profession of a person. This would mean the Gages are descendant from a maker of measuring instruments, such as the device used to measure the interior bore of firearms or some other cylindrical objects. The surname is also on record in ancient documents referring to those who made ropes, another practical device.

Gauge is a relatively uncommon name. Its multiple and diverse origins make its true origin difficult to determine. Interestingly the surname has changed its spelling over the centuries; examples include, Gage, Gauge, Gaugg, Gauogge, etc. Despite these changes, the surname continues to be linked with an image of strength, courage and spirit.

Gauge: Where does the name Gauge come from?

The surname "Gauge" is a fairly uncommon surname today, with records indicating recent origins in the UK. Most of the current population of people named Gauge likely trace their family roots to England, particularly around Cambridge and London. The surname first appears in records towards the end of the nineteenth century, suggesting that the family may have emigrated to those areas during the period of industrialization.

In the UK and parts of Europe, there are still Gauges found mainly in the suburbs and country-sides of England. Since then, the surname has spread to other parts of the globe, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. The United States features the highest population of people associated with the last name Gauge in comparison to other countries.

More specifically, those with the surname of “Gauge” are currently mainly found in two major regions of the US; the New England area (Maine, Connecticut, etc.), and the West Coast in California. These states, specifically the counties of Kern, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino are where the highest concentrations of Gauges are located, according to Ancestry.com.

Overall, “Gauge” is a fairly rare surname today, with the majority of the population found mainly in the United Kingdom, United States, and around the world.

Variations of the surname Gauge

Gauge is a surname of Norman origin, derived from the French word “gauche”, meaning “left handed”. It was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and it is one of the earliest recorded surnames in the British Isles.

Variations of Gauge include Gage, Gauger, GauVaise, Gawge, Gause, Gawes, Gausse and Gawce.

Spellings also vary, with some examples being Gauche, Gauges, Gauger, GauVeise, Gawk, Goge and Gocke.

There are also variants of the name in other countries. In the Netherlands, the surname is Gogel, in Scotland it is Goggin and in Germany it is Gauger or Göger. In Switzerland, it is Gauger or Gažer, in Poland it is Gawor and in Scandinavia it is Gog.

Surnames of the same origin include Gauvain, Gauthier, Gauvin, Gay, Gaudry, Gély, Gee, Gaal and Goz.

The use of Gauge as both a surname and a title has been well documented in other countries, with Croatia and Hungary being just two examples. Surnames like Gogol and Gauviain originating from these countries are also derived from the same root.

Overall, the surname Gauge and its derivatives have a rich history and significance in multiple countries. It is an interesting and unique name that can be traced back centuries.

Famous people with the name Gauge

• Rod Gauge: a British architect best known for designing the Gateway of India and the General Post Office in Mumbai.
• Paul Gauge: a French fashion designer, best known for designing the ultra-exclusive wedding dress of Eliza Doolittle in 1964.
• Bobby Gauge: an American actor best known for his roles in The Godfather, The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
• Emma Gauge: an Australian singer/ songwriter best known for her heartfelt ballads including ‘The Edge of Sadness” and “Until We Meet Again”.
• Kate Gauge: an English actress best known for her roles in the BBC series Waking the Dead and Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.
• Jeremy Gauge: a Canadian screenwriter and producer, best known for writing and producing the films War of the Worlds and EXORCISM.
• Laura Gauge: an American author and illustrator best known for her children’s books, including the beloved “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.
• Matt Gauge: an American basketball player who played for the Detroit Pistons between 1999 and 2007.
• Chris Gauge: an English musician who was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the band The Jam.
• Ron Gauge: a Canadian actor best known for his role in the horror movie Saw II.

Other surnames

Gaugh