Declining since 2022, #1,026 for boys today.
Popularity of Gatlin since 1981
Babies named Gatlin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 74 |
| 1990s | 349 |
| 2000s | 612 |
| 2010s | 1,670 |
| 2020s | 1,766 |
Meaning & origin
Gatlin entered the U.S. baby name records in 1981, and its popularity grew steadily, peaking in 2022. Since then, it has been declining. In 2025, the name ranks 1026, given to about 1 in 7,871 boys. It is most popular in West Virginia, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Gatlin fits the trend of surname-style names with a strong, Southern feel. Its origins are uncertain, but it appeals to parents seeking a modern, rugged name with a straightforward pronunciation.
Gatlin is thought to derive from an English surname, itself possibly a variant of Gattlin, meaning 'son of Gatt'. The surname Gatt may be a pet form of various Germanic personal names beginning with 'gat-' (like Gathel) or a topographic name for someone who lived by a gate. Alternatively, Gatlin could be a habitational name from an unidentified place. As a given name, it gained modest popularity in the United States starting in the late 20th century, particularly in the South.
Where Gatlin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Gat, Lin
Sibling names for Gatlin
Names that share Gatlin's style, for a brother or sister.
