Gaius is a classic Roman masculine given name, derived from the Latin word 'Gaius,' which means 'to rejoice' or 'happy.' It was quite popular among the ancient Romans and was often used as a cognomen, a third name indicating family ties or personal attributes. Some notable historical figures bearing this name include Gaius Julius Caesar, the famous Roman general and dictator, and Gaius Plinius Secundus, better known as Pliny the Elder, an author and naturalist of ancient Rome.
"Gaius experienced a significant spike in popularity from the late 2000s onwards, with over 40 births per year occurring between 2012 and 2014. After a dip in 2015, it remained relatively stable until 2023."