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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 50.51% |
| Black | 40.79% |
| Hispanic | 2.74% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 2.39% |
| Two or More Races | 3.06% |
Popularity of Gatewood Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gatewood surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gatewood surname increased by 360 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Gatewood Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Gatewood
- ✓ The Gatewood coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Gatewood families live today
- ✓ Notable Gatewood bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings 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
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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