Surname Gawdie - Meaning and Origin
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Gawdie: What does the surname Gawdie mean?
The last name Gawdie is believed to have originated in Scotland, and is likely of patronymic origin. The origins of this surname can be found in an old Gaelic personal name, likely Mac Ghobhaidh, which means “son of the smith.” Over time, the name evolved and was grammatically altered to become the more modern-sounding Gawdie.
The use of surnames in Scotland began around the year 1200, which is when a first record of the Gawdie name coul be found in the country. This record, from Orkney, was for a John Gavdie who was a witness to a court hearing in the year 1416. The family also gained a coat of arms which featured three silver stars on a green field, which recognizes the family's long history.
The Gawdie name was brought across the world by Scottish immigrants as part of the large-scale diaspora from the 1700s onwards, with various branches of the same family tree settling in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Today, the Gawdie name is still associated with Scotland, and is an example of the numerous patronymic surnames borne by the Scots. The name remains rare even in its homeland, with the most recent estimates suggesting that around 500 people currently bear the Gawdie surname in the world.
Order DNA origin analysisGawdie: Where does the name Gawdie come from?
The last name Gawdie is most commonly seen in Scotland, particularly in the eastern and south-eastern regions of the country. It is believed to have originated near the city of Edinburgh.
Gawdie is derived from Golach, a Gaelic term which roughly translates to “foreigner”. This could point to a family that migrated to Scotland from another part of the British Isles and settled in this area. Alternatively, it could suggest a Norman French origin for the name, as Edward I of England sought to bring Norman families closer to Scotland during his reign.
Today, those bearing the last name Gawdie are more frequently found in areas near Edinburgh, such as Midlothian, East Lothian, and the Borders. It has also recently been picked up by individuals with Scottish ancestry from other parts of the world, such as the United States and Canada.
The name Gawdie is still popular today in Scotland and is believed to be a sign of status and prestige within the society.
Variations of the surname Gawdie
Gawdie is an English surname of Scottish origin, with a variety of spellings and closely associated variants. One such variant is Gawdy, a spelling which is much more prevalent in Scotland. This variant is also the most common spelling in England. Other variants, such as Gawdie, Gawdee, Gawdey, Gawdrey, and Gawdrie, are less common but can still be found in records.
In addition to variant spellings, a number of surnames with similar origins can often be found. These include Gowdy, Gowdye, Gowdie, and Gowdrey, all of which trace their roots back to the same source as the Gawdie surname. Gowdrie is another variant of this name, with slightly more pronounced Scottish roots.
Finally, there are several alternate spellings of the name Gawdie that can be found in records, such as Gaudie, Gaudee, Gaudey, Gaudrey, and Gaudrie. These are less common than the traditional spelling, but are still seen in some parts of the British Isles.
In conclusion, the surname Gawdie has multiple variants, spellings, and associated surnames, all of which ultimately trace their roots back to the same source. No matter which spelling is used, its history can be traced back to Scotland, and its presence can still be found in various records around the world.
Famous people with the name Gawdie
- Gary Gawdie: music producer
- Lilias Gawdie: Australian lady, who had great influence on the local community during the 1940s
- Gordon Gawdie: English painter associated with Surrealism
- Catherine Gawdie: left-arm spinner from New Zealand, who represented her country in tests and one-day internationals
- Heidi Gawdie: British film and television actress
- Alan Gawdie: British Member of Parliament, renowned as a vocal advocate for Scottish self-government
- Peter Gawdie: Australian artist who has been exhibiting since the early 1970s
- Michael Gawdie: Australian professional soccer player
- Tom Gawdie: British lawyer and solicitor who has held progressive positions in some of the United Kingdom’s most well-known legal practices
- Lewis Gawdie: entertainer and musician from Australia, known for his contributions to the New Wave and punk music scenes