Surname Göcken - Meaning and Origin
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Göcken: What does the surname Göcken mean?
The last name Göcken is of German origin and is derived from the Middle High German word "gocke," which means "parrot." This surname refers to a person who was named after a parrot, which could mean that the surname originator owned a parrot or was known for being fond of them. The term as a surname likely originated in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany in the 13th century and may be found throughout the German-speaking world today.
Göcken is a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from the given name of the father of the original person who adopted the surname. It is also a variation of the German surname Gökken, which is derived from the Middle High German gögke, meaning "filled with curiosity," or from a different root, göken meaning "ripple."
The surname Göcken was adopted by many immigrants to the United States. Today, the United States has the highest amount of Göcken families of any country. It is primarily located in Texas, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
The Göcken surname was also adopted by families who spelled it differently, such as Gocken, Gochen, Goecke, and Gock.
Overall, the last name Göcken has Germanic roots and signifies a person who was either fond of parrots or who showed curiosity. The surname is found in various forms in the United States and throughout many German-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisGöcken: Where does the name Göcken come from?
Today, the surname Göcken is most often found in Germany, particularly in the Sauerland region. This surname has been prevalent in the area since at least the 18th century and is thought to derive from the nickname ‘gaacke’, which means ‘one who is loyal and faithful’.
The Sauerland is a large forested area located in the northwest of Germany. This region is home to a number of small villages including 'Göckenhausen' which meant 'Göcken's settlement' and is thought to be where the surname originally came from. In local language, the surname is commonly spelled ‘Göckin’.
The surname Göcken is also found in other German states such as Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and Baden-Württemberg. Variations of the name have spread to other European countries such as Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands. It is also present in the United States from immigrants from Germany, although it is much less common there than in its home country.
Despite its rarity in other parts of the world, the surname Göcken will continue to remain strong in Germany for many years to come. It is a reminder of the loyalty and faithfulness of those who have borne and continue to bear this surname.
Variations of the surname Göcken
The surname Göcken is a German surname with several variant spellings, surnames of the same origin and nicknames.
The number of alternative spellings for the Göcken surname are vast, which include Gökan, Goecke, Gocken, Goeckel, Gökel, Gecken, Goecken, Geckin, Goeken, Geke, Goekin, Goekke, Goeckelmann, Goeckmann, Göckmann, Geckmann, Goecklin, Gecklin, Goeklin, Gocklin, Gokkelmann, Göckemann, Gockemann, Göeckelmann, Goekelmann, Goeckelman and Gockman.
The surnames of the same origin as Göcken include Gockel, Goeckel, Geckin, Goeglein, Geke and Goecklin.
Nicknames include Goecke and Goeckel(mann).
The Göcken/Goecke surname is derived from an occupational name using the Low German 'geck', meaning 'person' or 'lover'. The first recorded use of this surname was in 1836 which was seen in the church records of the German city of Dortmund.
The Göcken surname originated from northern Germany, with the original name holders being found in the Oldenburg region. Today, the Göcken surname is commonly found in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, Berlin and Lower Saxony. It is found throughout Germany, with few bearer outside of the country.
In conclusion, the Göcken surname is a German name with several variant spellings, surnames of the same origin and nicknames such as Goecke and Goeckel(mann). It was first recorded in 1836 and is commonly found in areas such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, Berlin and Lower Saxony.
Famous people with the name Göcken
- Jürgen Göcken: Figure Skating Olympic champion from 1976
- Ute Göcken: Figure Skating champion from the 1970s
- Susanne Göckenheimer: German Playmate of the Year in 1984
- Kai Göcken: German theatre director
- Tyshawn Göcken: German soccer player
- Ottomar Göcken: German painter
- Hans-Dieter Göcken: West German footballer
- Christian Göcken: German disagreements lawyer
- Jürgen Göckenjan: Former German politician
- Joanna Göcken: German opera singer