Surname Gawdy - Meaning and Origin

Gawdy: What does the surname Gawdy mean?

The last name Gawdy originates from the Old English word "gaudy", meaning "ostentatious display." It is likely that those bearing the name Gawdy in medieval times were of noble or upper-class families that liked to show off their wealth through extravagant material trappings. Therefore, the name is associated with extravagance and a certain ostentation.

The name Gawdy was probably quite common at the time, as it was derived from a popular surname such as Gaudet (which itself was derived from the Latin word "gaudium", meaning "joy"). There was even a branch of the Gawdy family in England in the 15th century.

The word "gaudy" has since come to mean gaudy, over-decorated, or showy, so if a person named Gawdy is particularly lavish or showy, the name could be seen in a negative light. However, the original meaning of the name should not be forgotten. Originally, it was associated with the well-to-do families that were able to flaunt their wealth in grand displays. The name is not simply a synonym for showy or excessive; rather, it is a reminder of an auspicious time in history, of a time when impressive displays of wealthsignified a place in society.

Gawdy: Where does the name Gawdy come from?

The surname Gawdy can be found in a range of countries around the world today. The most common countries where it is found are the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and Australia. In the United Kingdom, the name is most commonly found in England and Scotland, although smaller numbers can be found in Wales and Northern Ireland.

In the United States, the name is most prominent in states such as New York, California, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, the name is found in locations such as Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta.

Australia also has a number of individuals with the name Gawdy. This is largely in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. In 2012, it was estimated that there were nearly 25,000 individuals with the surname Gawdy living in those three states.

The incidence of the name Gawdy in Ireland is momentarily unknown, however, there are a number of references to the name in emigration and genealogical records of the 18th and 19th century.

Overall, the surname Gawdy is found in a range of countries around the world and its presence is most prevalent in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Gawdy

The surname Gawdy is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name Gawd (also Gawde, Godde, and God). It is mainly found in the United Kingdom, with a smaller population located in the United States. It is sometimes found hyphenated as Gawdy-Gomme.

Variations of the surname include Gaudy, Gaudi, Gaudie, Gaudee, Godde, Goddee, Gaudye, Godley, Godlee, Goble, and Gomme.

The modern spelling of Gawdy was first recorded in England in the mid-13th century. Spellings of the name from this era include Henry Gawd, Geoffrey Gawde, and Robert Godde. Alternate spellings from this era include Gauwdye, Gawdy, Gawde, and Godde.

The Gomme spelling of Gawdy is traced back to the 1290s in East Anglia. The family is said to have obtained land during the reign of Edward I in 1290. The first recorded appearances of this spelling are in Buckinghamshire in the mid-13th century.

In Scotland, the surname Gowdie (subsequently shortened to Goudy) is believed to have emerged from the name Gawdy. This surname is found mostly in the northeast of the country, especially around the city of Aberdeen.

The surname Gawdy or any of its variants can be found in the ranks of well-known people, including Evelyn Waugh, the English author, Disney imagineer, Tony Gomme, and poker player Chris Gaudiano.

Famous people with the name Gawdy

• Jack Gawdy: professional footballer from England;
• Alonzo C. Gawdy: avid philanthropist and famous businessman from Philadelphia;
• Joe Gawdy: famed country music singer and songwriter;
• Lawrence Gawdy: prestigious landscape architect from Ohio;
• Mark Gawdy: renowned theatre actor from Chicago;
• Navonetta Gawdy: accomplished scholar and author from Arkansas;
• Nora Gawdy: esteemed journalist and television host;
• Olga Gawdy: prominent fashion model from Canada;
• Prentiss Gawdy: famous sports journalist and broadcaster from Texas;
• Rhonda Gawdy: celebrated film director from California.

Other surnames

GawdeyGawdie