Surname Gulden - Meaning and Origin
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Gulden: What does the surname Gulden mean?
The last name Gulden has German roots and is derived from the Middle High German word 'guldin', which means 'golden'. This could be a nickname for someone considered precious or valued highly, or it could be a metonymic occupational name for someone who worked with gold, a goldsmith or a gilder. It's also possible that the name Gulden could refer to someone who lived by a conspicuous golden feature like a patch of golden flowers, or a brightly lit spot. Each instance of the surname would depend on its individual origin story. Germany has many regional language varieties, so it's also possible that there are other interpretations of the Gulden surname in different regions. The name is also found among Ashkenazic Jewish families, where it could be an ornamental name from Yiddish גאָלד (gold) and the German adjective ending -en. Etymology can be complex, particularly with regards to surnames, which can evolve over time and change or adapt depending on familial, professional, or regional significance.
Order DNA origin analysisGulden: Where does the name Gulden come from?
The surname Gulden traditionally originates from Germany. Derived from the Middle High German term "guldin," which means "gold," the surname was most likely initially used as a nickname or a metonymic occupational name for someone involved in gold-related trades, such as a goldsmith or a gold-dealer. Names based on valuable materials were commonly given to people who worked with these substances or who had golden hair or a radiant personality.
Today the surname Gulden is most commonly found in the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. It is still quite prevalent in its homeland, but immigration, especially to North America, has seen the Gulden name disperse widely. The United States, particularly states with a high degree of German immigration like Pennsylvania and New York, are likely to have a larger population of people with Gulden as a surname. In the Netherlands, the name may also have origins from the historical Dutch currency, the gulden.
Variations of the surname Gulden
The surname Gulden has origins in Germany and is associated with the German word for "gold." Among the variants and alternative spellings of Gulden, some include Goulden, Gilden, Golden, Guldan, Guldin, and Guldner.
Different families have adopted these variations over time due to migration, transcription errors, or to adapt to local linguistics. The surname Gulden also appeared in other forms in different parts of Europe due to variations in regional languages, dialects, and spelling conventions.
Similarly, its variants also extend to several other surnames of similar origin that carry the meaning related to "gold", such as Gold, Goldberg, Goldmann, and Goldschmidt, to name a few.
In Turkish language, Gulden is a given name for girls meaning "from the rose" or "like a rose". Consequently, in Turkey, Gulden might appear as a first name rather than as a surname.
It's worth noting that while these surnames have similar origins or meanings, they do not necessarily denote familial ties, as surnames were often occupation or location-based in the past.
Famous people with the name Gulden
- Charles Gulden: Charles Gulden is a historical figure famous for creating a mustard company called "Gulden's" in the United States in the late 1800s. His popular mustard recipe remains a staple condiment in many households.
- Henry Gulden: Henry Gulden is an important personality in American business history who worked with his brother Charles Gulden to establish and run the popular mustard company, Gulden's.
- Meral Okay Gulden: Turkish screenwriter and actress Meral Okay Gulden, often credited as simply Meral Okay, is known for her contribution to the Turkish cinema and television industry.
- Leif Gulden: Norwegian mycologist Leif Gulden has made major contributions to the scientific study of fungi.
- Glen Gulden: A former American football player in the National Football League, whose career was primarily as a defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings.
- Gulden Draak: Although not a person, Gulden Draak is a famous Belgian beer known worldwide. It is worth mentioning due to its association with the Gulden name. Please note 'Gulden' is also a common surname in Turkey and it is possible that there are more famous people bearing this last name in Turkey that are not well-known internationally.