Surname Jocelyn - Meaning and Origin
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Jocelyn: What does the surname Jocelyn mean?
The surname Jocelyn is of Norman origin, derived from the personal name Jocelyn, which itself is a variant of the Germanic personal name "Gauzlin". This name is composed of two elements: "gaut", a tribal name referring to the Geats or Goths, and "lin", a diminutive suffix. Therefore, the meaning of the name Jocelyn can be traced back loosely as “little Goth". Over the years, the interpretation of the surname has evolved, now often being associated with characteristics like joyous or full of joy, due to its phonetic similarity with the word “jovial”. It has also been used as both a male and female first name. Notably, there were many members of the British Jocelyn family who held the title of Earl of Roden.
Order DNA origin analysisJocelyn: Where does the name Jocelyn come from?
The surname Jocelyn has both French and English origins. Initially, it originated as a given name, Jocelin, from the Old French names Goscelin or Joscelin, which are believed to have been taken from a Germanic personal name, Goscelin, derived from the elements 'gaut,' which can mean 'a Goth' (a member of a Scandinavian tribe) and 'hlinn,' meaning 'protection'. The name was introduced into England by followers of William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. It became popular as a first name in the Middle Ages, typically in honor of St. Joscelin, bishop of Le Mans.
As a surname, it's probably a patronymic name, meaning it was originally derived from the first name of a male ancestor. The surname Jocelyn may have been adopted by descendents of someone named Jocelin or Joscelin to indicate their lineage.
Today, the surname Jocelyn is not excessively common but can still be found spread through areas of England, United States, Canada and Australia. Due to centuries of migration and the far reach of British culture throughout history, the surname has been gradually dispersed across English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Jocelyn
The surname Jocelyn is believed to have German and Old French origins and might be a derivative of a personal name, such as Goscelin or Joscelin. The surname could also be a locational name for someone from Josselin in Brittany, France.
Variations or spellings of the surname Jocelyn could include Joslin, Joceline, Jocelinn, Jocelina, Jocelin, Joscelin, Jasper, Josselin, Josselyn, Joss, and Joce. Some of these forms are more commonly used as given names, but they can also function as surnames.
Some surnames that might have the same origin or are linked to Jocelyn are Goslin, Gosling, Gosselin, and Gosselyn -- these are all derived from the same root.
Please note that surnames can vary widely due to regional differences, phonetic spelling, translation between languages, and personal preference. This means that while these variants and origins are possible, each individual case may be unique.
Famous people with the name Jocelyn
- Sir John Jocelyn, 8th Baronet of Kilmoe and MP for Galway City and County
- Michelle Jocelyn, British journalist
- Beau Jocelyn, Canadian professional baseball player
- Jan Jocelyn, American singer
- Will Jocelyn, American film producer
- Adele Jocelyn, British film and television actress
- Zander Jocelyn, American fashion model
- Gunilla Jocelyn, German artist
- Cammie Jocelyn, English television presenter
- Belinda Jocelyn, British piano accompanist, harpsichordist and organist