Surname Goethe - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Goethe: What does the surname Goethe mean?
The last name Goethe is derived from the Germanic name ‘Gauda’, which means ‘joy’ or ‘happiness’. It is believed to have been used by the Goethe family who were of noble descent and likely had their roots in the Kingdom of Bavaria. The Goethe family may have been originally from either Thuringia or Württemberg.
Goethe is associated with the renowned German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who contributed profoundly to literature and philosophy in the eighteenth century. Johann Goethe’s seminal work Faust was a two-part tragedy written in blank verse which explored man’s relationship with religion and spirit.
The Goethe family is frequently associated with the values of mercury and moon, reflecting their deliberate and precise approach to life. Those bearing the Goethe name are often considered as being highly disciplined and independent, as well as passionate and creative. They are said to have an innate interest in the arts, especially literature and music.
The Goethe name is also strongly associated with ambition and perseverance. Those who bear the Goethe name tend to have an untiring focus on success and a strong commitment to following through on anything they believe to be worthwhile.
Goethe is a surname steeped in history and is often associated with creativity and ambition. Those descended from the Goethe family are proud to bear its name and strive to honor its legacy with their passion, hard work, and dedication to achieving their goals.
Order DNA origin analysisGoethe: Where does the name Goethe come from?
The last name Goethe is most commonly found in countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is a prominent surname in German-speaking countries, and the region most associated with it is today's South-Central Germany, near the German cities of Frankfurt and Weimar.
The surname Goethe can be traced back to the 11th century when it was first mentioned in its alternative spelling of Güthe. It was a popular German surname in the Middle Ages, primarily found in the German states of Bavaria and Brandenburg. Over the centuries, the Goethe surname spread to other parts of Germany as well as to Austria and Switzerland.
The surname Goethe was prominent in regions all around the world where German-speaking people migrated. Consequently, there are also large numbers of people with the Goethe surname living in America, Australia, and other countries.
Goethe is still a popular surname today. According to World Names PublicProfiler, the Goethe surname is ranked as the 69th most common surname in Germany and the 633rd most common surname in Austria. A 2008 survey found that it was the 47th most common surname in Bavaria, having more than 25,000 people with that name.
In conclusion, the surname Goethe is still commonly found in its original regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as well as other countries where German-speaking people have migrated to.
Variations of the surname Goethe
The variants, spellings, and surnames of Goethe has been around for centuries. The name Goethe itself originates from German, Dutch, and English languages and can also be written as Goeth, Göthe, Goth, Gőthe, Gôthe, Gauthe, Gouthe, Gauethe, Gauth, Gouth, Jaute, or Joude. Variants of the name can be found all over the world in countries such as the United States, Canada, England, France, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.
In the United States, the surname Goethe is mostly found in Pennsylvania and New York. Variants of the name that are found in the United States include Goeth, Gauth, Gouth, Gőthe, Gôthe, and Gauethe. In Canada, the surname is mostly found in Ontario and Quebec, and variants include Goeth and Goth.
In England, the surname is mainly found in the North of England, particularly in Lancashire, Northumberland, and Yorkshire. In France, it is mainly found in Alsace-Lorraine. Its variants in France are Gouthe and Jaute. In Germany, variations of Goethe are found in Bavaria, Saxony, and Prussia.
In the Netherlands, variants such as Goethe and Joude are commonly found. Around the world, Goethe is also found in Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, as well as in Argentina, New Zealand, and other South American countries.
Famous people with the name Goethe
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832): German poet, novelist, playwright, philosopher, and scientist
- Axel Goethe (1902-1971): German actor
- Wolfgang Goethe (1841-1922): German philosopher
- Friedrich Goethe (1762-1848): Grandfather of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
- August Goethe (1739-1822): Father of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
- Therese Goethe (1764-1816): Mother of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
- Juzo Goethe (1870-1914): Japanese painter
- Ellie Goethe (born 1952): German-American actress
- Michael Goethe (born 1967): German film producer
- Michael Warwick Goethe (born 1964): British musician