Gaines, of Anglo-Saxon origin, is a surname derived from the Middle English word 'gane', meaning 'to gain'. It was originally an occupational name for a peddler or trader who traveled from place to place, gaining his living by buying and selling goods.
The name Gaines experienced notable fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 1685 births recorded between 1882 and 2023. The name's peak occurred during World War I, with a significant spike in births between 1914 and 1918, reaching as high as 32 births in 1915. However, the popularity of the name Gaines has since declined steadily, with fewer than 20 births recorded annually since 1976. In recent years, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with 31 births in 2020 and 23 births in 2021, indicating a potential renewed interest in this classic name.