Surname Gökhan - Meaning and Origin
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Gökhan: What does the surname Gökhan mean?
Gökhan is a Turkish surname deriving from the word ‘gök’, meaning ‘sky’. The surname likely derives from the ancient Turkic language spoken in Central Asia, and is shared by several Turkic-speaking ethnicities, including the Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Karachay people.
Gökhan is a patronymic surname, meaning that it was created by adding the Turkish suffix ‘han’ to indicate a fatherly line of descent. This suffix was possibly used to honor and distinguish sons born to a father. It is also believed that Gökhan was a title or name given to selected individuals who served one of many societal roles in Turkic societies of the past, such as an honored spiritual leader or a successful military commander.
The contemporary meaning of the surname Gökhan is commonly interpreted as ‘leader in the sky’ or ‘lord of the sky’. Those bearing the surname Gökhan are believed to have descended from a hero or leader who was known for their influence or strength. As a result, the ‘Gökhan’ surname is associated with high honor or leadership. Those with the surname may be respected in their community or held in high esteem.
Accordingly, Gökhan has taken on a symbolic meaning as a champion of the oppressed. There have been various Gökhans renowned as revolutionaries fighting against colonial powers and for the betterment of the people. These Gökhans have become archetypes of honor and strength, exemplifying the historic sense of justice and respect that is linked to the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisGökhan: Where does the name Gökhan come from?
Gökhan is a common last name originating from Turkey and is found among many people in the Turkish diaspora. Originating from the Turkish word "Gök" which translates to "sky", it is believed the name was assigned to individuals of a certain revered ancestry.
Today, Gökhan is one of the most common surnames among people of Turkish descent, most notably in Turkey, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, and the United States. In Turkey specifically, it is estimated that there are as many as 1.3 million people with the last name Gökhan, making it the 18th most common last name, out of over 800.
In the United States, the name Gökhan is largely found among individuals in the Turkish-American community, either those immigrated directly from Turkey or those are of Turkish descent. According to the 2018 American Community Survey one-year estimates, there are over 12,000 people with the last name Gökhan living within the United States, with the highest concentration in Los Angeles County in California.
Gökhan is also a popular last name throughout the rest of Europe, notably in countries such as Germany, Austria, and The Netherlands. In Germany the name is known to have been adopted as far back as the 16th century, with many people of Turkish descent having the last name today. It is ranked the 68th most common last name in Germany, with over 54,000 individuals with the name Gökhan. In The Netherlands, the name is much less than Germany and even Turkey, however still has a considerable amount of people with the last name, having over 5,000 people with the Gökhan surname in the country today.
Overall, the last name Gökhan is widely found throughout the world today, particularly in countries with strong Turkish populations such as Turkey, Germany, Austria, and the United States.
Variations of the surname Gökhan
The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Gökhan are Gokhan, Gokhane, Goekhan, Goehhan, Goehane, Goekhane, Goehan, Goehane, Coeghan, Coelehan etc.
The Gökhan surname is an exotic one, believed to have originated from Turkey and is especially common among the Turks. It is a combination of two words - Gok (sky) and the suffix Han (tribal chief/lord). Hence, Gokhan literally means the chief of the sky, suggesting that the ancestors of the Gökhan family were legendary extraordinary leaders.
This surname is mostly common among the Turks, but it is also used by immigrants in America, England, France, and Germany. The modern Gökhan family may still be found in different countries, including Turkey, the United States, Canada, Australia, and England.
Gökhan is also an alternate spelling of Gokhane, which is an entirely different surname. This is a derivative version of the name Gocan, which is said to have formed from the combination of two words - goc (bird) and the suffix can (boastful). Therefore, the ultimate meaning of the word is “boast of a bird”, implying the ancestors of this family were quite proud.
The other surnames that originate from Gökhan are Coeghan, Coelhan, Gokanes, old Gomeric and Gomersall, Gohane, Gohane, and Goephan. All of these surnames are of the same origin and may be used interchangeably. As for Gökhan itself, this is most commonly used in its native form in Turkey and may still be seen among the Turkish diaspora in other countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Gökhan
- Gökhan Gönül: Turkish professional footballer.
- Gökhan Inler: Swiss professional footballer.
- Gökhan Özen: Turkish singer.
- Gökhan Töre: Turkish professional footballer.
- Gökhan Saki: Dutch Muay Thai kickboxer and mixed martial artist.
- Gökhan Kırdar: Turkish film director.
- Gökhan Keser: Actor.
- Gökhan Alkan: Turkish actor.
- Gökhan Avcıoğlu: Turkish actor.
- Gökhan Alkan: Actor.
- Gökhan Yılmaz: Turkish actor.
- Gökhan Keser: Turkish musician, actor.
- Gökhan Tepe: Turkish actor.
- Gökhan Şahin: Actor.
- Gökhan Şimşek: Turkish soccer player.
- Gökhan Demir: Turkey footballer.
- Gökhan Aydın: Turkish film and television actor.
- Gökhan Çapan: Turkish actor.
- Gökhan Doğulu: Turkish singer and producer
- Gökhan Göçen: Actor.