Surname Gatch - Meaning and Origin
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Gatch: What does the surname Gatch mean?
The surname Gatch is of English origin, believed to have derived from the Old English term "gytch," which was a small stream or canal. It was likely a topographic name given to someone who lived near such a stream.
Another possibility is that Gatch is derived from the occupational term "gate," indicating a gatekeeper or watchman. It was common in medieval times to give names related to professions and hence, Gatch could refer to families where the primary occupation was as gatekeepers.
Like many surnames, the exact origin of Gatch is challenging to trace due to variations and changes in spelling and pronunciation over centuries. It is also possible that the name has multiple origins, reflecting the diverse history and migration of people who carried this surname. Notable people with the surname Gatch include American academic Lewis Gatch and American politician Abram W. Gatch.
The family motto for the Gatch surname is "Be Just and Fear Not," indicating a strong sense of justice and courage associated with this family name.
Order DNA origin analysisGatch: Where does the name Gatch come from?
The last name Gatch is of German origin. It is a patronymic surname which is derived from the medieval Germanic personal name 'Gotschalk', meaning 'God's servant'. The name Gotschalk was popular during the Middle Ages, hence several European names have been derived from it.
Gatch is a relatively rare last name, most common in the United States. According to various census data, it appears in modest numbers across several states in the US. After the US, the name Gatch is most prevalent in the Philippines, and then in Germany. Despite its Germanic roots, it's not quite as common in Germany today as it is in the USA or the Philippines. Other regions where the surname can be found in small numbers include Canada, Brazil, and Australia.
Like many other surnames, specific concentrations of the Gatch name within these countries could be a result of migration patterns throughout history. For example, a family bearing the surname could have migrated to these various places at different points in time, establishing new familial branches and spreading the name further.
Variations of the surname Gatch
The surname Gatch is thought to be of German origin. It is believed that the name might have been derived from the German word 'Gadke' or 'Gadko', which roughly translates to 'godly'. It might also be a corrupted form of the name 'Gotschalk', a name that was popular during the Middle Ages, with 'Gotschalk' being a personal name meaning 'God's servant'.
In terms of spelling variations, the surname can be found as Gatch, Gatche, Gotch, Gottsch, Gatcke, Gatsch, Gotsch, Gotsche, and Gatsha among many others. Some believe that a connection might exist between the surname Gatch and Goetz as both names originate from Germany. However, this is uncertain.
In terms of related surnames based on geographical distribution or etymology, the names Gatcke, Garscha, Goetz, Gotsch, and Gotschalk might be connected. One theory proposes that Gatch might be linked to a location, often a common practice within Germanic naming practices. For instance, there is a village named Gotschendorf located in Germany.
However, these links are mostly speculative and further genealogical research would be required to conclusively prove any connections between the surname Gatch and other possible variations, permutations, or origins.
Famous people with the name Gatch
- Marcus Gatch: He is a professional basketball player who last played for the Gießen 46ers, a professional basketball team in Germany.
- J. Amos Gatch: He was an American engineer and the 17th President of Purdue University.
- Jason Gatch: He is an American actor who is best known for his roles in films such as The Mask, Under Siege, and Independence Day.
- David Gatch: He was a United States Army general who served during World War II.
- Ernest Gatch: He was a United States Army general who served during World War I.
- Chip Gatch: He is an American professional athlete and triathlete.
- Christopher Gatch: He is an American composer and record producer.
- Roger Gatch: He is an American basketball coach and former professional player.
- Don Gatch: He is an American tennis coach who has coached notable names such as Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Andre Agassi.
- Joseph Gatch: He was an American politician from Indiana who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1827 to 1837.