Surname Gola - Meaning and Origin
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Gola: What does the surname Gola mean?
Gola is a surname that originates from multiple cultures and languages, thus carrying multiple meanings. In Italian, it is derived from the word 'gola' which means 'throat.' This could have possibly been a nickname for someone with a distinctive voice or a large appetite. Variation of this surname in Italy includes Golas, Gola, and Golino. In Poland, 'Gola' could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a mountain hollow, as 'gola' translates to 'hollow' in Polish. The name Gola also appears in Indian culture, usually found among the inhabitants of Uttar Pradesh and is associated with the traditional occupation of cotton processing. It could have also derived from 'Golah,' which is a Hebrew word mentioned in the Bible, meaning 'exile' or 'captive.' As with many surnames, the specific meaning of Gola can significantly depend on its cultural and historical origins pertaining to the individual or family bearing the name.
Order DNA origin analysisGola: Where does the name Gola come from?
The surname Gola is of Polish origin, derived from the Polish verb "golac" which means "to shear." It was initially occupational, given to people who worked as sheep shearers or barbers. Besides Poland, this surname is also traced back to Germany and Italy.
In Poland, the surname Gola is quite common around the regions of Silesia and Greater Poland. It is also prevalent in the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union of southern Poland. In terms of popularity, around 12,000 people in Poland bear the surname Gola.
In Germany and Italy, people carrying this surname primarily reside in the regions of Bavaria and Lombardy respectively. The surname Gola also exists in several other countries globally given the global dispersion of immigrants over the centuries. Specifically, in the United States, the majority of Gola families were found in the states including Pennsylvania and Ohio in the 1920s. The most Gola families, however, were found in the USA in 1920.
Despite its historical usage, the surname Gola is still significantly in circulation around the globe today.
Variations of the surname Gola
The surname Gola may have different variations and spellings due to regional differences, mispronunciations, or translation errors. Variations of the surname might include Golas, Golya, Golae, Golay, Golyas, and Goła.
It's not uncommon for a surname to have different spellings, especially when it comes to different dialects and languages. For example, in English-speaking countries, the surname might be spelled as "Gola," but in non-English-speaking countries, it could be spelled using characters specific to their language or alphabet.
Furthermore, sometimes the surname evolves over time due to marriage, assimilation, or other reasons, leading to version variations. Golaszewski, Golaś, Golab, and Golasz are such examples.
Surnames of the same origin as Gola, presumably of East European origin, specifically Polish, may include names such as Nowak, Kowalski, and Wojcik. However, direct lines of derivation or connections may not always be clear due to the complex nature of surname evolution.
Please note that the connections and origins of surnames can be variable and nuanced, often requiring genealogical research or genetic ancestry testing for verification.
Famous people with the name Gola
- Chuck Gola: He was an American basketball player and coach, considered one of the greatest basketball players in NCAA history. He was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Pete Gola: He was an American football player who played one season with the Cleveland Rams of the National Football League.
- Claude Gola: A famous French comedian.
- Gustavo Pedro Gola: He is a famous Brazilian bassist and music producer.
- Tom Gola: He was an American basketball player and politician. He served as the city controller of Philadelphia. He won an NBA Championship with the Philadelphia Warriors and was inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Filip Gola: He is a well-known Polish author and journalist.
- Marino Gola: He was an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder.
- Lucas Gola: A German actor known for his role in "Unter Gaunern." Note: Tom Gola and Chuck Gola are the same person. He’s often incorrectly referred as Chuck Gola but his real name is Tom Gola.