Gaston is a French given name that has been popular throughout history and continues to be used today. Its origin can be traced back to the Germanic tribe of the Ostrogoths, who invaded Italy in the fifth century AD. The name Gaston is derived from the Ostrogothic king Gaiseric, whose name means "eager for battle."
The meaning of the name Gaston has evolved over time, but it generally translates to "stranger" or "guest." This derivation comes from the Germanic element "gaist" which means "stranger" or "spirit," combined with the Gothic suffix "-an." Despite its origins, Gaston is not typically associated with aggression or war-like qualities. Instead, it often evokes images of elegance and sophistication.
One of the most famous historical figures named Gaston was Gaston de Foix (1489-1512), a French nobleman who fought alongside King Francis I during the Italian Wars. Known for his bravery and military prowess, he became one of France's greatest generals at the age of just 23.
Gaston has also been popular among European royalty throughout history. Gaston d'Orléans (1608-1660) was a younger brother of King Louis XIII of France who played an important role in court politics during the seventeenth century. Another notable royal named Gaston was Prince Gaston of Wales (1779-1834), son of King George III and Queen Charlotte.
Today, Gaston remains a beloved name in many French-speaking countries, as well as other parts of Europe. While it may not be as common as it once was, it continues to be chosen by parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their sons.
The name Gaston experienced notable fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks and valleys reflecting broader societal trends. The highest number of births recorded was in 1918 with 83 occurrences, while the lowest was in 2018 with only 9 births. The total number of births named Gaston from 1881 to 2023 is 3993.