Show ContentsGatensbay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Gatensbay was brought to England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Gatensbay is for a watchman. The watchman was responsible for keeping guard over the gates of a castle or manor.

Early Origins of the Gatensbay family

The surname Gatensbay 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 Gatensbay family

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

Gatensbay Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Gatensbay were recorded, including Gattonsby, Gatensby, Gatonby, Gattenby, Gatenby and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatensbay family

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

Migration of the Gatensbay family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Gatensbay arrived in North America very early: 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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