GOULD
Gould
Origin: The surname Gould is of English origin, derived from the Old French word "goule" or "gole," meaning throat or neck. It was often used as a nickname for someone with a distinctive neck or throat, or as a metonymic occupational name for someone who made gold chains or similar jewelry. The name has been traced back to medieval times in England.
Distribution: The surname Gould is most commonly found in England, particularly in the southern counties such as Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous Individuals:
- Jay Gould: an American railroad magnate and financial speculator in the 19th century.
- Glenn Gould: a renowned Canadian classical pianist known for his interpretations of Johann Sebastian Bach.
- Elli Goulding: a British singer-songwriter known for hits such as "Lights" and "Love Me Like You Do."
Coat of Arms: The Gould family crest typically features a red shield embellished with a gold stag's head and three gold fleurs-de-lis.
Genealogy: The Gould surname has a long and distinguished history, with numerous branches and descendants spread across the globe. Genealogical research into the Gould family has uncovered connections to noble families in England and beyond.
Modern Usage: Today, the surname Gould remains prevalent in English-speaking countries and continues to be passed down through generations. It is often a source of pride and heritage for individuals with this last name.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 21,047 people named Gould in the UK. That makes it the 412th most common surname in Britain. Around 323 in a million people in Britain are named Gould.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.