Surname Golub - Meaning and Origin
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Golub: What does the surname Golub mean?
The last name Golub is of Eastern European origin and is believed to have originated in the country now known as Lithuania. The name is derived from the Lithuanian word "golubas", meaning "pigeon". The name was traditionally given to individuals as a reference to the characteristics of a pigeon - intelligence, loyalty, and the ability to find its way home from great distances.
In ancient times, having a last name such as Golub was a sign of nobility, and it was reserved for members of the wealthy class. It was also a source of pride and respect for those who had the name, and it served as a reminder of the individual's place in society.
Today, the last name Golub still carries connotations of respect and is still associated with nobility. It is still used as a proud identifier for many Eastern European families. In modern times, the name Golub has evolved to emphasize the trait of intelligence and loyalty; it is often seen as a figurative way to label individuals who are wise, loyal, and honest, and who always strive to do the right thing.
Order DNA origin analysisGolub: Where does the name Golub come from?
The last name Golub is most common in Central and Eastern European countries, where it is primarily associated with countries like Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and Poland. It is also found in significant numbers in the United States and Germany, and to a lesser extent in other countries across the world.
The modern-day descendants of the Golub line can trace their family tree back to the 16th century in some cases. The Golubs were an influential Jewish family in Eastern and Central Europe, with some members emerging as prominent rabbis, merchants, traders, and financial advisors.
The Golub name has become associated with famous American business figures, such as Irving and Herbert, who founded the “Golub Corporation” (now known as “Price Chopper”) in 1932. Other notable Golub lineages can be found in the public sector. Former US Secretary of Defense, former New York senator Hilary Clinton, and Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Goldwater all carry this name.
Golub is also a popular last name among Russian Jews, with some estimates suggesting that there are over 100,000 people with the last name in Russia alone. Overall, Golub is one of the most commonly found surnames in Eastern and Central Europe.
Variations of the surname Golub
The Golub surname is of Dutch, Jewish, and Slavic origin. It is a topographic name for someone from a place called ‘Golub’, which is derived from the Slavic word ‘golub’, meaning ‘plover’. In some cases, it may also be an occupational name for a pigeon breeder.
Variants and alternate spellings include Gollub, Gollab, Gollop, Golomb, Goulb, Goulp, Goulph, and Goupl.
The surname has spread to many different countries and regions, and as such, there are several surnames derived from the same root. These include the Russian variants Golubov, Golubtsov, Golubenko, Golubitskiy, Golubeva and Golubkin; the Polish Golubski, Golubowicz, Golubska, Golubczyk and Goluba; the Ukrainian Golubov, Golubycki and Gorobets; the Hungarian Gollob; and the German Gollap and Gollupp.
In America the spelling is often Americanized to Gallup. There is also another variant in America: Goldupp.
In Israel, Golub is found as the Ashkenazi Jewish name, Geller, derived from the same root.
The surname Golub is found in some European countries. For example, in England, Golub is found as a variant of Gallup, and in Scotland, it appears as a variant of Galloup.
In France, the name is found as Gouplier and Gouplé.
Famous people with the name Golub
- Eugene Golub: American mathematician specializing in numerical linear algebra and scientific computing.
- Yuri Golub: Soviet gymnast who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics and won the bronze medal in the men's vault.
- David Golub: American classical violinist, conductor, and professor at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater & Dance.
- Leah Golub-Sass: Voice actress who works mainly in Los Angeles and London.
- David Elliot Golub: Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, best known for his play “Love! Valor! Compassion!”
- Corey Golub: American professional poker player.
- Marat Golub: Russian former competitive figure skater who won national gold medals at Junior and Senior levels.
- Mike Golub: Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer.
- David S. Golub: American attorney and business owner in Massachusetts.
- Lev Golub: Soviet chess grandmaster and author, participated in the 1955 and 1956 USSR Championships.