The surname Gate is of English origin and has several possible origins. It is most commonly a topographic name, denoting someone who lived near a gate, either a town gate, a park gate, or a gate leading to enclosed fields. This usage derives from the Old English word geat, meaning "gate" or "opening".
Another possibility is that Gate is a locational name, derived from places named Gate. These places may have been named with the same meaning as the topographic origin, referring to a significant gate in the landscape.
Finally, in some cases, Gate may be an occupational surname, possibly referring to a gatekeeper or someone responsible for maintaining a gate.
The surname is found primarily in England, but has also been adopted in other English-speaking countries. Variations of the name include Gates, Gatt, and Geat. The surname can be traced back through historical records, including parish registers and census data.