Surname Göktan - Meaning and Origin

Göktan: What does the surname Göktan mean?

Göktan is a Turkish surname that originated from the old Turkish word “gök” which means sky. The surname Göktan is translated as “Sky Lord” or “Sky Ruler.” It was likely the name of a Turkish noble or clan leader at some point in history who was likely associated with the sky in some fashion.

In addition to its Turkish origin, Göktan is considered to be an Armenian-Turkish surname, indicating that it was adopted by Turkic-speaking Armenian individuals or families who had previously adopted the Turkish language. Therefore, the name Göktan likely has both Turkic and Armenian roots.

Göktan is associated with the idea of the sky or a celestial LORD; someone who is powerful, authoritative and majestic and who is at a great height above the rest. It can also symbolize higher knowledge and understanding of the Universe.

Göktan is often found in areas of Turkey and in cities with a sizeable Turkish population, such as Istanbul and Ankara. In Turkish, it is also written as Göktaş, Göktekin, Göktem or Göktürk. In the past, Göktan is reported to have been more commonly used as a first name than a surname, but this is no longer the case.

In modern day, the surname Göktan continues to be a common, well-respected name in Turkey and among people of Turkish descent. It is also found in other countries such as the UK, where it has been adopted by people of Turkish background that settled there.

Göktan: Where does the name Göktan come from?

The last name Göktan is most commonly found in Turkey, where it is derived from the Ottoman Turkish name Göktepe, meaning “sky hill”. Göktan is also common in neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Syria, due to centuries of Ottoman rule.

In recent years, Göktan has been found in other parts of the world as well, particularly in places with large Turkish diaspora populations. This includes large cities in the United States such as New York and Los Angeles and European cities such as London and Paris.

The name Göktan is quite common in the Turkish diaspora around the world, and is still growing in popularity in the diaspora. Many Göktan-surnamed families chose to keep the name when they sought refuge from the Middle East and settled in Europe or North America, serving as reminders of the family’s past.

The Göktan name is also quite common amongst the Kurds in the Middle East, an ethnicity that holds a sizable presence in parts of southeast Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and other areas of the region. Göktan itself is derived from the Kurdish language, where Göiktepe, the original name, meaning “sky hill”.

Göktan is a popular name in Turkey and amongst the diaspora, but has also been passed down through the generations in Kurdish families as well, making it a widely recognised surname throughout the countries of the Middle East.

Variations of the surname Göktan

The surname Göktan derives from the Turkish word Gök, meaning 'sky' or 'heaven'. Incorporating this word into the surname has given it a variety of spellings and other surnames, all of which still signifying the same meaning.

The surname Göktan can also be rendered as Gökden, Göktin, Göcktan and Gökcan, depending on where it originates from and to whom it belongs; however, it is often used interchangeably with Göktürk, which is the most widely recognised spelling.

It is believed that the surname first came to light in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey during the 12th century. Belonging to the now-defunct Ottoman empire, it is likely that Göktan was derived from the name of a now-forgotten ancestor.

Outside of Turkey, the surname Göktan can also be found in countries throughout the Middle East, with Iraq and Syria being notable examples. As a result, the surname has also taken on different variations in these places, such as Göcktun or Gokden, depending on the regional dialect of the language used by the individual.

In addition, the surname Göktan has been adopted in various regions around the world such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. As a result, Americans and Europeans are more likely to encounter the surname in its more Anglicised forms, such as Gökton or even Goktan.

Overall, the surname Göktan, and its variants are used as a signifier of a family's or individual's connection to the former Ottoman Empire. Although the spelling and pronunciation of the surname has changed over time, it still originated in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey and should still be recognisable by those familiar with the area.

Famous people with the name Göktan

• Taner Göktan: Taner Göktan is a Turkish actor, TV presenter, and model. He is best known for hosting the variety show Çok Güzel Hareketler Bunlar from 2007 to 2018.
• Besir Göktan: Besir Göktan is a Turkish cartoonist and children's book author. He is best known for his book series Malazgirt 1071, which tells the story of the Siege of Malazgirt during the Byzantine-Seljuqs Wars of the 11th century.
• Alpay Göktan: Alpay Göktan is a software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Givit, an enterprise SaaS startup.
• Korhan Göktan: Korhan Göktan is a Turkish-German comedian, actor, and writer. He is a longtime member of the comedy improv group Die Wrecken and has appeared in several films.
• Ahmet Göktan: Ahmet Göktan is a Turkish football referee who referees in the Süper Lig. He is affiliated with the Turkish Football Federation and holds a UEFA Elite Category license.
• Osman Göktan: Osman Göktan is a Turkish folk singer and actor. He is well-known for his folk covers of traditional Turkish songs as well as his appearances in various TV shows and movies.
• Hakan Göktan: Hakan Göktan is a former Turkish football player who played for many teams in Turkey and abroad. He currently works as a commentator and analyst for various sports outlets.
• Murat Göktan: Murat Göktan is a Turkish singer, musician, and actor. He is an iconic figure in the world of alternative music and has contributed to the scoring of several films.

Other surnames

Göktas