Surname Gogel - Meaning and Origin

Gogel: What does the surname Gogel mean?

The surname Gogel is of German origin and its precise meaning remains a little uncertain. It is likely that the name is locational, given to someone who lived near a high point or hill. This comes from the Middle High German term "gogel", which translates to "cuckoo", but it was also used metaphorically to describe hills due to the similarity in shape to the bird's beak. In Yiddish, "gogel" refers to a throat. Therefore, it might also point to someone with a distinctive voice or someone who was a town crier. Sometimes, it could be a pet form of the personal name Godilo, rooted in old Germanic elements like "god" and "helde," meaning "battle." The surname was first found in Bavaria, south Germany, making it common among individuals of German heritage. But like many surnames, interpretations can vary based on regional uses and historical context. Today, it's spread globally because of immigration and diaspora. However, the original pronunciation and several meanings have changed over time and influenced by different languages and cultures. Beyond its origins, a family name like Gogel carries thousands of individual family histories.

Gogel: Where does the name Gogel come from?

The surname Gogel is of German origin. It is derived from the German personal name Godeke, which is a combination of "god" and "-ke,' a pet form of 'man'. It is also possible that the surname is a habitational name from a place named Gogel.

As a surname, Gogel migrated with individuals to various regions, thus could be found in different parts of the world today. However, it is most commonly found in the United States, Germany, and to a lesser extent, in Canada. According to Forebears.io, it is most prevalent in the United States, ranking as the 59,047th most common surname, with the highest density in North Dakota. In Germany, it ranks as the 9,753rd most common surname. It is also present, though less common, in areas like France and Brazil. Nevertheless, the absolute numbers are relatively small, indicating that it is not a very common surname internationally.

Variations of the surname Gogel

The surname Gogel is of German origin and is commonly found within German-speaking countries or communities. It can be said to have derived from an occupational name for a cuckoo, from an old German word "gogal".

Various spellings and variants for this surname exist. Some of these variations might include Göggl, Gogol, Gogul, Gogle, Goegele, Goegelein, Gogele, Gögelen, Gogler, and Goggel. Different spellings might have evolved due to regional dialects, the evolution of the language or localized adaptations.

There may also be anglicized versions or Americanized versions of this surname based on past immigration and subsequent adaptation of foreign-sounding family names. Some of these might include Goggle, Googel, or even Gagel.

Surname variants could involve slight additions or subtractions of letters or strokes, while still maintaining a similar phonetic pronunciation. Surnames are also subjected to change based on use across different regions and countries, hence the variety. It's always noteworthy that these variants could be due to clerical errors, differences in scripts of the German language, or changes made by families over time.

Famous people with the name Gogel

• Zac Gogel, American actor
• Dave Gogel, former president of Viacom Digital Music
• Brian Gogel, American CEO
• Lee Gogel, former U.S. Navy officer
• Jay Gogel, American politician
• Dan Gogel, former Overseas Private Investment Corporation Vice President
• Ben Gogel, American filmmaker
• Heather Gogel, American former television executive
• Craig Gogel, American former World Bank Vice President
• Doug Gogel, former mainstay of Teshuva Productions
• Lou Gogel, former chairman of SBC Communications
• Michael Gogel, American musician
• Robert Gogel, American TV commercial director
• Linda Gogel, American former business executive
• Marcus Gogel, American ice-hockey player
• Herb Gogel, American computer engineer
• Jonathan Gogel, American digital media strategist
• John Gogel, American television host
• Jeff Gogel, American radio talk show host
• Patty Gogel, American visual artist

Other surnames

Gogen