Surname Gökkaya - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Gökkaya: What does the surname Gökkaya mean?
The last name Gökkaya originates from Turkey and is common in neighboring countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, and Syria. The name is derived from the Turkish words 'Gök' and 'Kaya'. 'Gök' translates to sky in English, while 'Kaya' means rock or stone.
Therefore, the name Gökkaya combines these two words, translating to 'Sky Rock' or 'Sky Stone' in English. The name seems to imply a sense of strength and stability, conveying a connection with the sky and nature.
In Turkish culture, the name Gökkaya is believed to reflect a noble and courageous identity. People with this last name are thought to be free-spirited and independent. They often possess a certain amount of strength and courage, allowing them to face difficult obstacles.
The Gökkaya family is typically associated with qualities such as patience, understanding, and even loyalty. They respect nature and its surroundings, and share a deep appreciation for music, literature, and art. Overall, Gökkaya represents a strong connection to the natural world and those who embrace it.
Order DNA origin analysisGökkaya: Where does the name Gökkaya come from?
The last name Gökkaya is a very common surname in Turkey today. It is believed to originate from the family name Göksu which dates back to the Seljuk Turks who ruled in Anatolia from 1037 and later in 1295. Since that time, the Gökkaya surname has been found in many regions throughout Turkey, with some branches of the family also located in Central Asia, the Balkans, and other countries.
In modern Turkey, the Gökkaya surname is most prevalent in the provinces of Erzurum, Siirt, and Gaziantep. According to one study by the Central Intelligence Service, the Gökkaya surname is found in 2.5 percent of the population in Erzurum, 1.3 percent in Siirt, and 1.2 percent in Gaziantep. Other regions with a notable number of Gökkaya families include Ankara and Istanbul.
The Gökkaya surname is also found around the world in countries which had emigrants from the Ottoman Empire. Examples include Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, the United States, and Australia. There are also Gökkaya families who now call Syria, Netherlands, Ukraine, and Canada their homes.
In general, the Gökkaya family is a well-traveled and well-spread surname in the contemporary world. It is connected both to ancient Anatolian history and to the migration incentives of modern times.
Variations of the surname Gökkaya
Gökkaya is an uncommon Turkish surname, being found typically in the southwest region of Turkey. The spelling Gökkaya is the most common variant. It is sometimes spelled as Gokkaya and Gukkaya, and is pronounced with a “soft G,” like the letter “j” in the English language.
The other variants of Gökkaya are related to the original meaning of the surname. The prefix ‘Gök’ can translate to sky, heavenly, or blue, meaning that Gökkaya could also appear as Gökyay, Gök, Gokyay, Gok, or Gukyay.
There are a few surnames related to Gökkaya that may have sprung up over time due to common folk etymology, or incorrect attributions and interpretations of ancestral surnames. Common related surnames include Gokce, Gökçe, Gökdemir, and Genc.
Gökkaya is also a name of a river in Turkey, located in the Antalya province. It is sourced from nearby lakes and flows through many cities of the region, such as Yivli, Demirdöven, and Karar. The river Gökkaya is well-known among locals who take part in the many activities along the river such as fishing and swimming.
Famous people with the name Gökkaya
- Gökhan Gökkaya: Turkish pop singer and TV show host, famed for his single “Gülüm” which reached the Turkish and Bulgarian music charts in 2011.
- Nejat Gökkaya: Turkish diplomat, former Ambassador of Turkey to France from 2004-2008.
- Ali İhsan Gökkaya: Turkish football manager and former player, formerly the manager of Istanbul Başakşehir FK.
- Hasan Gökkaya: Turkish professional footballer currently playing for İstanbulspor.
- Halil Gökkaya: Turkish vocalist and musician, known for his unique blend of rock and traditional Turkish folk music.
- Emrah Gökkaya: Turkish former footballer and coach, currently the Academy and Youth Director at Denizlispor.
- Celil Gökkaya: Turkish professional footballer, currently playing for İstanbul Başakşehir.
- Tuncay Gökkaya: Turkish musician, noted for his work in classical music as well as collaborations in other genres.
- Faruk Gökkaya: Turkish journalist, columnist, TV presenter, and podcast host, famed for his work with the Habertürk media group.
- Osman Gökkaya: Turkish singer, songwriter, and music producer, best known for producing Suzan Kardam's album.