Gaston

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Gaston

Gender: Masculine
Language: French
Etymology:
Gaston is a French name, possibly meaning “From Gascony,” or (less likely) “Strong Guest.”

History:
Gaston (originally Gascon) first appeared in France around the 12th century, becoming common among the noble families of Foix and Béam. The name Gaston probably gained wider acceptance with Gaston, the Duke of Orleans (1608-1660), who was an opponent of Cardinal Richelieu.

It was common in France until the late 20th century.

Pronunciation: gass-tawn.

Alternates: Gascon.
Italian: Gastone.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Gaston Bachelard (1884-1962)
French philosopher.
Gaston Lachaise (1882-1935)
French-American sculptor.
Gaston Planté (1834-1889)
French physicist.
Gaston Means Bullock (1879-1938)
American con artist.
Gaston Foix (Thunderbolt of Italy) (1489-1512)
French soldier.

Educators, Scholars, and Social Workers:
Gaston Camille Charles Maspero (1846-1916)
French Egyptologist.
Gaston Bachelard (1884-1962)
French philosopher.

Fictional Characters:
Gaston (1991)
Villain in Disney’s film Beauty and the Beast.

Military:
Gaston Alexandre Auguste, marquis de Galliffet (1830-1909)
French general.

Political Figures:
Gaston Doumergue (1863-1937)
French president.
Gaston Eyskens (1905-1988)
Belgian politician.

Royalty:
Gaston, duc d’Orléans (1608-1660)
A brother of Louis XIII, and an opponent of Cardinal Richelieu.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.004 % named Gaston

Popularity of Gaston:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1910: 822nd most popular.
1910-1920: 759th most popular.
1920-1930: 930th most popular.
1930-1940: 985th most popular.
1940-2000: N/A

In France...
1900: 24th most popular.
1910: 23rd most popular.
1920: 20th most popular.
1930: 35th most popular.
1940: 49th most popular.
1950: 96th most popular.
1960: 194th most popular.
1961: 196th most popular.
1962-2000: N/A