Show ContentsGatenbey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Gatenbey is one of the many new names that came to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Gatenbey is for a watchman. The watchman was responsible for keeping guard over the gates of a castle or manor.

Early Origins of the Gatenbey family

The surname Gatenbey was first found in the North Riding of Yorkshire at Gatenby. One of the first records of the family was Stephen de Gaitenbi (c. 1190-1212) who was listed in Early Yorkshire Charters.

In 1327, the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire listed Thomas de Gaytenby and later Peter de Gaytenby was listed in the Calendar of Inquisitiones post mortem of Yorkshire (1405-1406.) 1

Early History of the Gatenbey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gatenbey research. Another 137 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gatenbey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gatenbey Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Gattonsby, Gatensby, Gatonby, Gattenby, Gatenby and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatenbey family

More information is included under the topic Early Gatenbey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Gatenbey family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Gatenbey or a variant listed above: George Gaton settled in Virginia in 1638; Thomas Gatens arrived in Philadelphia in 1840; Patrick Gatans arrived in Philadelphia in 1858; William Gattens settled in Maryland in 1774..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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