US Popularity Rank: 11158

Origin: British

Meaning: A person who lived by a gate; Gatekeeper

Gates is a gender-neutral name of Old English origin. A variant of the surname Gate, this name comes from the Old English expression gate, used to describe a person who lived by a gate. It may also originate from the surname Yates, which is inspired by an Old English occupational name for a gatekeeper. Sci-fi fans will know the name Gates from actress Gates McFadden, who starred in the Star Trek franchise, but it’s probably best recognized for American business magnate Bill Gates.