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Origin and meaning of the name Gatsby

What is the origin of the name Gatsby?

The name Gatsby is most famously associated with the character Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," published in 1925. However, it is unclear where Fitzgerald may have drawn inspiration for the name. Some sources suggest that it may be a variant of the Scottish surname "Gadsby," which means "goose farm." Others believe it to be a variation of the Irish surname "Fitzgerald," which means "son of Gerald." Ultimately, the exact origin of the name Gatsby remains uncertain.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Gatsby

The name Gatsby is a literary creation popularized by F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "Gatsby the Magnificent" published in 1925. This name is associated with the main character Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and elegant man who embodies the American dream and the quest for love and success. His name, Gatsby, has an elegant and distinctive sound that evokes the glamour and charm of the crazy years. Although this name does not have a specific origin outside of literature, it has gained popularity thanks to the aura of mystery and seduction that surrounds Jay Gatsby's character and has been adopted by some parents as a unique and original name for their child.

Character traits associated with the name Gatsby

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Popularity of the name Gatsby

The name Gatsby is not very popular because of its literary origins. Indeed, this name is directly inspired by the main character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "Gatsby the Magnificent" published in 1925. Although Jay Gatsby's character is emblematic of the jazz and prohibition era in the United States, his tragic and complex history does not seem to have aroused a particular enthusiasm for the name itself. In addition, the name Gatsby is still not widely known, which makes it unusual and can be perceived as original or eccentric. However, some parents looking for originality might be attracted to this name because of its elegant and timeless sound, as well as its association with a prominent literary character.

Famous people with the name Gatsby

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Variations of the name Gatsby

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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