Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Gauge

Gauge is another form of Gage which are vocabulary words meaning “to ascertain by exact measurements”. Both spelling variants have been used somewhat interchangeably since their first recorded existence dating back to Middle English. The words come from the Old French “jauger” which defined a rod or a pole used for measuring. The word is also connected with the Germanic “galgo” which gave us the modern “gallows” – a structure defined by a wooden frame (two upright posts plus a “pole” or crossbeam) to which a noose was attached. Those going to the gallows were in essence going to their execution. By the mid-1400s, gauge came to be used more exclusively as a device for measurements which is how we understand the word today. Gage eventually turned into a surname originating from an occupational name. A “gage man” was a man who either was in charge of checking weights or measurement, or he was moneylender/ surety against lent money (as in a mort-“gage”). The surname dates back to the 14th century in England, but as a forename, Gage is a modern, more American invention. Gauge and Gaige followed in popularity as alternate spellings.

All About the Baby Name – Gauge

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME GAUGE

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME GAUGE

Gage is a name near approaching the Top 150 list of most favorite baby boy names in America – so it’s no surprise that Gauge and Gaige have come onto the scene. Gauge first appeared on the U.S. Top 1000 list in 2005 and has seen moderate increases since then. The names Gage and Gauge are strong one-syllable masculine names so we get the appeal. However, we can’t help thinking about a 12-gauge shotgun when we hear this name. We say stick with Gage if you’re hell bent on this name. Gaige looks too feminine (like Paige).

Quick Facts

ON GAUGE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

739

PRONUNCIATION:

GAYGE

SIMPLE MEANING:

Measure

Characteristics

OF GAUGE

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Gauge

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME GAUGE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Gauge

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME GAUGE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Gauge


Popular Songs

ON GAUGE

12 Gauge
a song by Krayzie Bone Leathaface [explicit]

Gas Gauge
a song by Spearhead [explicit]

Famous People

NAMED GAUGE

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Gauge.

Children of Famous People

NAMED GAUGE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Gauge

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME GAUGE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Gauge