Gatewood — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #4,242 in the US 8,359 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#4,242
▼ Down 146 since 2000
People in the US
8,359
2.83 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Gatewood Surname

What does the last name Gatewood mean?

The surname Gatewood carries the meaning "From a woodland area." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,359 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gatewood ranks as the #4,242 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Gatewood come from?

The Gatewood surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Gatewood name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Gatewood trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Gatewood
Meaning From a woodland area
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #4,242
US Count (2010) 8,359
Per 100K People 2.83
First Letter G

Ethnic Distribution of Gatewood

According to the US Census, the Gatewood surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,359 Americans with the Gatewood last name.

White 50.51%
Black 40.79%
Hispanic 2.74%
Asian/PI 0.5%
Native American 2.39%
Two+ Races 3.06%
Ethnic distribution of the Gatewood surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White50.51%
Black40.79%
Hispanic2.74%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.5%
Native American2.39%
Two or More Races3.06%

Popularity of Gatewood Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gatewood surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#4,096
7,999 people
Down 146
Census 2010
#4,242
8,359 people

The number of Americans with the Gatewood surname increased by 360 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Gatewood Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Gatewood ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Gatewood

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gatewood.

Other English Surnames

Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Gatewood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gatewood

The surname Gatewood is of English origin. From a woodland area
The surname Gatewood is ranked #4,242 in the United States with approximately 8,359 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a woodland area. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Gatewood surname is distributed as: 50.5% White, 40.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Gatewood ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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