Gage

Gage is a masculine given name of English origin, derived from an occupational surname with roots in Old French. The surname has two possible origins: the Old French word gage meaning "measure," which originally referred to an assayer—someone who measured and tested the purity of precious metals—or another Old French word gage meaning "pledge," used for a moneylender or surety. The surname was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest and became established as an occupational surname for those in these trades.

Popularization as a Given Name

While Gage had been used sporadically as a first name before the 20th century, it gained widespread popularity due to the character Gage Creed, a young boy who dies and returns as a zombie in Stephen King's horror novel Pet Sematary (1983), as well as the 1989 film adaptation. This representation catapulted the name into the limelight, leading to increased usage in the United States and other English-speaking countries in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Notable Bearers

Historical bearers include Thomas Gage (1721–1787), a British General during the American Revolutionary War, and Lyman J. Gage (1836–1927), who served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. In modern times, the name is associated with actor Gage Golightly, known for his role on the TV series The O.C. It is also used as a feminine name in rare instances, such as Gage Munroe, a Canadian actress.

• Meaning: measure or pledge
• Origin: Old French
• Type: First name derived from surname
• Usage: Predominantly English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK)