Show ContentsGatonsbey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Gatonsbey is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a watchman. The watchman was responsible for keeping guard over the gates of a castle or manor.

Early Origins of the Gatonsbey family

The surname Gatonsbey 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 Gatonsbey family

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

Gatonsbey Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Gatonsbey has been recorded under many different variations, including Gattonsby, Gatensby, Gatonby, Gattenby, Gatenby and many more.

Early Notables of the Gatonsbey family

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

Migration of the Gatonsbey family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Gatonsbeys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: 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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