A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Gaston since 1881
Babies named Gaston per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gaston's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 53 |
| 1890s | 78 |
| 1900s | 126 |
| 1910s | 434 |
| 1920s | 620 |
| 1930s | 372 |
| 1940s | 322 |
| 1950s | 264 |
| 1960s | 232 |
| 1970s | 236 |
| 1980s | 296 |
| 1990s | 397 |
| 2000s | 264 |
| 2010s | 215 |
| 2020s | 144 |
Meaning & origin
Gaston entered U.S. records as early as 1881, and saw its highest usage in 1903, during its peak year. After a long decline, the name has been rising again since 2019. Gaston is currently given to about 1 in 50,238 boys. The name is most common in Texas and California, reflecting French cultural influence in those states. Its recent upward trajectory suggests a mild revival, perhaps influenced by literary or pop culture references, but it remains a rare choice overall.
Gaston derives from the Old French name Gaston, itself from a Germanic root *gastiz meaning 'guest' or 'stranger'. It was introduced to England by the Normans but never became widespread there. The name has long been used in France, notably in the Gascony region, and experienced a revival in the United States in the early 20th century. It remains most common in French-speaking countries and communities.
Where Gaston is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Gaston” around the world
Where Gaston lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
295
babies in 2024
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gas, Gus
Sibling names for Gaston
Names that share Gaston's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Colette, Simone, Odette, Margot, Giselle, Alane, Angelle, Arlette, Claudette, Ivon, Jeannine, Laurette, Marcelle, Monette, Nanette, Patrice, Yolande, Aurelie, Fernande, Leonette, Leontine, Liliane, Lisett, Lorette, Marcille, Minette, Susette, Blondine, Carmelle, Dorette, Fanchon, Fleurette, Florette, Gilberte, Honore, Hortence, Larose, Laurine, Lucette, Lucielle, Lunette, Lyzette, Marcelline, Margeaux, Mirielle, Moselle, Priscille, Rolande, Rosine, Yoland, Alette, Alexine, Babbette, Bernese, Bertine, Claudett, Clotile, Felicite, Florestine, Francille, Marcele, Marguriete, Marionette, Marzelle, Musette, Noellie, Sidonie, Verlaine
Brothers: André, Henri, Marcel, Pierre, Louis, Amaury, Bertrand, Fernand, Jacque, Raoul, Renard, Alcide, Bayard, Dartagnan, Herve, Lemoyne, Corday, Durand, Fontaine, Franchot, Joffre, Jourdain, Leonce, Nazaire, Valmore, Alcee, Laval, Legrande, Odilon, Ovide, Ramier, Reynald, Rodolphe
