Surname Goehtz - Meaning and Origin
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Goehtz: What does the surname Goehtz mean?
The surname Goehtz is a German name, originating from the area now known as Poland. The earliest records of the surname date back to the 16th century. The meaning is derived from the Middle High German word “Gote,” meaning a protector. It was likely derived from the name of a family steward, meaning “protector of estate.” Over the centuries, various spellings of the surname have emerged, including Goehtz, Goetze, Götze, and Götz. In some cases, the name could also refer to someone from the municipality of Górka (also spelled Oek, Göck, or Geck) in former East Prussia.
Today, Goehtz can be found around the world, especially in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany. It is likely that those with the last name were part of the large German immigrant influx in the late 19th and early 20th century, most of whom left their homeland due to political and religious persecution.
Given its origin and background, the last name Goehtz carries a meaning and history measured in centuries. It is a reminder of a unique, multicultural journey and understanding of heritage, particularly in this day and age where it is increasingly easy to forget our roots.
Order DNA origin analysisGoehtz: Where does the name Goehtz come from?
The last name Goehtz is a German surname that is still commonly used today in Germany and countries where German immigrants and descendants have settled. The United States is a particularly popular destination for many German expatriates, both past and present, and the surname Goehtz can be found throughout the country.
In Canada, the last name Goehtz can be found in various provinces according to its population, especially in Ontario and Manitoba. Canada is home to a large German immigrant and descendant population, and as a result the name Goehtz is especially prominent in those provinces.
The last name Goehtz can be found throughout Europe in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Norway. It is especially prominent in Germany due to its origin, however it is also popular elsewhere throughout Europe as a result of German immigrants who have left their home country in search of new opportunities.
In Australia, the last name Goehtz is not as common as in other countries. However, the surname can be found throughout the country with a larger concentration of individuals with this name in New South Wales and South Australia.
Overall, the last name Goehtz is primarily popular in countries with large German populations, which includes the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, and Australia. Individuals bearing this last name in other countries may be descendants of immigrants from Germany and other countries that have close ties with German culture and/or language.
Variations of the surname Goehtz
The surname Goehtz is a German surname derived from the Old High German word “goiz”, meaning ‘blade’ or ‘sword’. Variants of this surname include Goetz, Goetzke, Gehtz, Geukes, Goes, Gautsch, Gahrs, Gers, Gerz, Gez, and Geze. Some of these spellings, such as Goetz, are also found in other languages, including Dutch and English.
The earliest record of the Goehtz surname is found in 1180 in the area of Prussia. By the 12th century, the Goehtz family had spread across much of northern and western Europe. During the German Peasants’ War of 1525, many members of the Goehtz family sided with the rebels, and a small village near the city of Magdeburg is named Goetzenhain in honor of the family’s role in the conflict.
In America, the surname Goehtz is found mainly in Pennsylvania, where early settlers brought the name in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The surname is also found in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois. Immigration records from the 19th century list members of the Goehtz family coming to the United States from Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.
The Goehtz surname remains relatively common in Germany, though not of the same prominence as it once was. In the United States, however, it is much less common and considered fairly uncommon.
Famous people with the name Goehtz
- Morgen Goehtz: American actor
- Brooke Goehtz: American volleyball player
- Jan Goehtz: German field hockey player
- Sally Goehtz: American interior designer
- Devin Goehtz: American racing driver
- Holger Goehtz: German journalist
- Nils Goehtz: German musician
- Tesla Goehtz: German fashion designer
- Karen Goehtz: American graphic designer
- David Goehtz: German programmer