Surname Gogen - Meaning and Origin

Gogen: What does the surname Gogen mean?

The last name Gogen is of French origin, specifically from the Alsace region of France. It is thought to have derived from a personal name or descriptive nickname. Variations on the name appear to form from the verb ‘gogner’, which meant ‘to make faces or grimace’; someone with a habit of making funny faces could well have been given the nickname ‘Gogen’.

The name may also have evolved from the surname ‘Gogin’, which was popular in certain areas of France in the 17th century. This name was used to describe a skillful or lucky person. It is likely that the ‘gogin’ derivation came before the ‘gogner’ derivation and the ‘gogin’ spelling is still seen in some areas even today.

The first Gogen family to emigrate to the US was from the Alsace region of France in the late 19th century. Since then, the name has spread throughout the US, being particularly common in the Midwest and Northeastern regions of the country.

Today, those bearing the Gogen name will likely find they have German, French, and Swiss origins. Whilst considered a rare name nationally, the name appears to be particularly common in the US, perhaps due to the immigration of French and German persons during the 19th century.

Gogen: Where does the name Gogen come from?

The surname Gogen appears to be of Jewish Ashkenazic origin. Ashkenazic Jews are a Jewish diaspora group that originated from Central and Eastern Europe. The surname may have been derived from various personal names that were popular among Jewish people in those regions. However, it's also possible that it could have other origins as names can often have multiple sources.

Nowadays, the surname is not particularly common anywhere. Available data indicates that there are few people with the surname Gogen worldwide, with the majority residing in the United States. It's also found, although less commonly, in countries like Israel, Canada, Germany, and Russia. Keep in mind that detecting the prevalence of a surname can be difficult due to population shifts, immigration, name changes, and various other factors. Even less common surnames can be encountered in different parts of the world. Hence, while it appears that Gogen is not an especially common surname, it may still be encountered in various places across the globe.

Variations of the surname Gogen

The surname Gogen is quite rare and might have multiple origins. Its possible variants or misspellings could include Gogan, Goggin, Googan, Gougane, Gogane, Googen, Googin, Gogenholz, Goggan, and Gogins.

It could potentially be a variant of the surname Goggin which is of Irish origin, deriving from the Gaelic name "Ó Gogáin.” Other Irish variations could be Gogan, Goggan, and Gogán.

There is also a possibility that Gogen may be of Jewish origin, possibly a variant of the surnames Gogel or Goggle.

Surname variants might significantly differ due to factors like geographical location, dialect, phonetic spelling, and translation discrepancies. Hence, the origin of the surname Gogen might influence its different variants and spellings.

It is also crucial to note that the surname might not be common, as it may often vary in spellings due to transcription errors, resulting in a rare surname like Gogen. Comprehensive genealogical research would potentially yield more clarity about its origins and variations.

Remember, the best way to find variations in surnames is by consulting specialized bibliographies and conducting genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Gogen

• Bruce Gogen: Bruce Gogen is a German actor known for appearing in the films One Chance, Kraken, and Shadowstrike, as well as shows such as Der Pass and Helpline.
• James Gogen: James Gogen is an American stand-up comedian and actor, known for appearing in various comedic television series, including Upright Citizens Brigade, Mr. Show, and the Big Bang Theory.
• Harald Gogen: Harald Gogen was a Swedish film producer and studio head, known for producing films such as The Virgin Spring, The Seventh Seal, and The Calm Pictures.
• Mose Gogen: Mose Gogen was a Canadian sketch artist and theatre director, best known for his plays Cat Behind the Wall, The Wolf's Hour, and The Unforgettable Summer.
• Barry Gogen: Barry Gogen is an American screenwriter and producer, known for his work on films such as Goodfellas, Casino, and Man on the Moon.
• Jonah Gogen: Jonah Gogen is an American fashion designer, best known for his designs of men's tailored apparel.
• Otto Gogen: Otto Gogen was a German sculptor, best known for his artworks depicting the human body, such as The Rape of Europa and The Fall of Icarus.
• Annelie Gogen: Annelie Gogen is a Swedish painter and print artist, best known for her minimalist landscapes featuring subtle and delicate colors.
• Mason Gogen: Mason Gogen is an American voice actor, known for his performances in Cartoon Network's Adult Swim shows such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Squidbillies, and Robot Chicken.
• Steven Gogen: Steven Gogen is an award-winning American film producer, known for producing films like Patch Adams, Young Guns, and Pocahontas.

Other surnames

Gogel