Surname Goeke - Meaning and Origin
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Goeke: What does the surname Goeke mean?
The last name Goeke is an occupational surname stemming from the archaic German word "Göke" meaning "servant" or "helper". The name was given to those who had a paid position as a helper or domestic servant, generally to a member of the aristocracy or the clergy.
The Goeke surname is quite prolific in the German language. It is found in many parts of Germany, including the northern provinces of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, as well as in the eastern province of Saxony. There are also records of people with the Goeke surname in parts of Northern Europe, such as in Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands.
The name is believed to have first been used in the Middle Ages by those who served in a monastic or ecclesiastical capacity. Over time, the name could have been adopted by others who were employed in humble occupations such as farmers or laborers. It is also possible that the name could have derived from a nickname, given to a person who was known for being helpful and supportive.
The Goeke surname is associated with several original Germanic terms, such as "göke," which meant "servant" or "helper," and "gecken," which meant "foolish" or "deficient." The original meaning of the Goeke name is likely to have been "servant" or "helper," making the name a profession-based surname.
Order DNA origin analysisGoeke: Where does the name Goeke come from?
The last name Goeke is most commonly found in Germany, where it is considered one of the top 200 surnames. According to one estimate, over one million people living in Germany bear the Goeke surname.
Outside of Germany, the Goeke last name can be found in the United States and other countries around the world. In the United States, it has been estimated that about 7,500 people bear the Goeke surname. Additionally, the Goeke name can be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Canada, Australia, England, and the Netherlands.
Those bearing the Goeke last name typically belong to families that trace their roots back to southwestern and western Germany. According to one source, many of the families that bear the Goeke name may have originated in the region around the present-day city of Dortmund in Germany.
In general, the Goeke surname has remained rare outside Germany. However, it is still relatively common in certain areas, such as the US state of North Dakota, where around 175 Goeke families are estimated to live.
Variations of the surname Goeke
Goeke is a surname that is derived from the German word 'göck', meaning “edge” or “protector”. It is found in various countries such as Germany, the United States, Poland, the Netherlands, and Austria.
The variants of Goeke include Gocke, Goeck, Goecke, Göke, Goecken, Goecking, Goeckels, Goekels, Gockel, Goeke, Goeckel, Goekel, Göcken, Goekelen, and Gocka.
The spelling of Goeke can vary depending on the country and language it is being written in. In German it is often spelled as Göke or Goecke, while in Dutch it can be written as Goeck or Goecke.
Common surnames that are related to Goeke include Geck, Gock, Gecken, Gockel, Geckmann, Geckenheimer, Gochle, Goeckel, Goeken, Goeckelmann, Gochen, Gockels, and Goeckle.
Goeke is an old German surname that still exists today. It is unique and recognizable, making it an interesting choice for anyone who's looking to research their family's history.
Famous people with the name Goeke
- Mark Goeke: Former professional American football player, who played for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL).
- Erika Goeke: German journalist, television presenter and spokeswoman for the German publisher Enter Media GmbH.
- André Goeke: German professor of Theology and Ethics at the University of Erfurt.
- Terence Goeke: American composer, songwriter, arranger, and musician.
- Manfred Goeke: German politician.
- Scott Goeke: Retired American football coach, primarily known for his college coaching career.
- Margot Goeke: German fashion designer.
- Eberhard Goeke: Professor emeritus at the University of Halle, Germany.
- Franz-Josef Göke: German former footballer.
- Christian Goeke: German singer.