The name Gatsby is of English origin and it has a significant history behind it. It is derived from the surname 'Gassby', which was an occupational name for a servant or retainer, particularly one who worked in a kitchen. This name was borne by the character Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby", published in 1925.
In the novel, Gatsby is a wealthy man who throws extravagant parties in the hopes of rekindling a romance with his former love, Daisy Buchanan. The story takes place in the Roaring Twenties on Long Island and is narrated by Gatsby's neighbor, Nick Carraway. Although the character was fictional, the name Gatsby has since become synonymous with wealth, extravagance, and the American Dream.
The name Gatsby does not have a specific meaning attached to it, but its origins and history make it a unique and memorable choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child. Despite not being particularly popular as a given name, Gatsby remains a recognizable and distinctive name with a rich literary heritage.
In the United States, the name Gatsby was given to five newborns in 2015 according to the Social Security Administration's data on baby names. This means that while it may not be one of the most popular choices for a child's name, there is still a small but dedicated group of parents who opt for this unique moniker each year.