The name Gauge is of English origin and has a unique and interesting history behind it. It is derived from the Old French word "gauchir," which means "to turn or bend." This term was used in reference to a measuring device called a gauge, which was originally used to determine the diameter of cannon barrels.
The name Gauge was first recorded as a surname in medieval England, where it was likely given to someone who worked with cannons or other measuring devices. Over time, the name became associated with certain families and regions, such as the Guages of Guildford, Surrey, who were known for their involvement in local politics and land ownership.
As a given name, Gauge is relatively rare but has been used occasionally throughout history. It gained some popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, perhaps due to its association with precision and measurement. Today, Gauge continues to be a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
Overall, the name Gauge has an interesting and meaningful origin story that is rooted in history and science. While it may not be as well-known as some other names, it carries with it a sense of precision, measurement, and craftsmanship that makes it a notable choice.
The name Gauge has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, there were fluctuations in its usage.
The peak year for Gauge was 2005 with 14 births recorded. This is more than double the number of births compared to some other years like 1992 or 2014 where only 5 babies were named Gauge each year.
Despite these peaks, Gauge has generally remained a name that does not rank among the most popular choices for newborns in any given year. The total number of births with this name from 1992 to 2014 was 102, indicating its rarity compared to other names over this period.
It's interesting to note that while there are no distinct patterns or trends observable from these statistics alone, they reflect how unique and uncommon the name Gauge has been during these years. This could potentially be attributed to parents choosing less common names for their children as a way of making them stand out.