Gaines is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Maghnus," which means "great." The name has a long history, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle Ages in Scotland.
In medieval Scotland, Gaines was often used as a personal name, with many individuals bearing this name appearing in historical records. One notable example is Gaines MacNab, who was a Scottish clan chief of Clan MacNab during the 15th century.
The name Gaines also has connections to the Catholic Church, with several saints named Magnus or Maggie (a female form of the name). These saints are believed to have lived during the early Christian era and were known for their holiness and miracles. As a result, the name Gaines was often given to children in honor of these saints.
Today, Gaines is still used as a given name, particularly in Scotland and other parts of the English-speaking world. While it may not be as popular as some other names, it remains a unique and historically significant choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Gaines has been present in the United States for over a century, with fluctuations in its popularity throughout the years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Gaines remained relatively low but steady, with five births per year occurring between 1882 and 1893.
The peak of popularity for the name Gaines was reached in the 1910s and 1920s. In 1914, there were 25 births, and this number continued to rise, reaching a high of 32 births in 1915. This trend continued into the early 1920s, with peaks of 31 births in 1921 and 27 births in 1922.
After the 1920s, the popularity of the name Gaines began to decline. By the 1930s, the number of annual births had decreased significantly, ranging from a low of 10 births in 1938 to a high of 29 births in 1936.
The mid-20th century saw a further decrease in the popularity of the name Gaines. Between 1940 and 1960, there were an average of around 15 births per year. This number continued to decline into the 1970s and 1980s, with fewer than 10 births occurring annually during these decades.
In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Gaines. Between 2006 and 2023, there have been over 500 births recorded each year, with peaks of 29 births in 2016 and 31 births in 2020.
Overall, since 1882, there have been a total of 1685 babies named Gaines born in the United States. While the popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, it remains a distinctive and recognizable choice for parents seeking a unique and strong-sounding name for their child.