Surname Goldfuss - Meaning and Origin

Goldfuss: What does the surname Goldfuss mean?

The last name Goldfuss is a German and Jewish occupational surname. It originated from the Middle High German word "goelefuss" which meant "gold foot" or "Gäulefuss" which meant "Mare feet". This was likely a reference to a person who had a key position in a transportation sector of commerce such as a wagon driver, postmaster, or horse caretaker.

Throughout history, the name has had several different spellings. Some of the common variations include Goldfus, Goldfusz, Goldfusser, and Quollfuss. As the Goldfuss surname developed, it became strongly associated with northern Germany, particularly in the Aschersleben region.

In the modern day, people bearing the Goldfuss surname tend to have a strong sense of family, a deep sense of loyalty to their loved ones, and a strong work ethic. As immigrants original wearers of the Goldfuss name spread around the world, the name has come to represent a variety of professions ranging from bankers to educators to entrepreneurs. Whatever the profession, those who bear the Goldfuss surname tend to be characterized by a passion for their work and a sincere dedication to the family unit.

Goldfuss: Where does the name Goldfuss come from?

The last name Goldfuss is most commonly found in Germany, though it is not uncommon to find it in other parts of the world. In Germany, the highest concentration of the Goldfuss name is located in the north-eastern parts of the country, particularly in the states of Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia. It is also commonly found in areas of the former East Germany.

Outside of Germany, the last name Goldfuss can also be found in countries with strong connections to German culture, such as Switzerland, Austria, France, and the Czech Republic. Additionally, it can be found in former German colonies, particularly in Africa and South America.

In America, the last name Goldfuss is most commonly found among the descendants of German immigrants who settled in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name is particularly popular on the east coast, in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts. Today, Goldfuss is still a common surname in many areas of the United States.

Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, the surname Goldfuss is much less common. In places like the United Kingdom or Australia, it is rare to find it outside of any communities that have strong historical ties to Germany. As such, it is not a particularly common last name in these countries.

Variations of the surname Goldfuss

The surname Goldfuss has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Goldfuss is primarily a German and Jewish (Ashkenazic) surname, originating from the Middle High German 'guoltfus', meaning “gold foot”.

Variants of the Goldfuss surname include Goldvos, Goldvuß, Goldvuss, Goldvuhs, Goldvoß, Goldffuss, Goeltfuss, Goeltfusz and Goeltfut.

The Jewish surnames Goldfuns, Goldfunz and Goldfusser can also be traced to the same origin, as these surnames were derived from the occupation of goldfusser, which was a Little-Day Jew’s representative in the court of the nobility in the seventeenth century.

In other languages, Goldfuss is also rendered as Galip in Turkish, Goldenfuss in Yiddish, Goldfusz in Hungarian, Goldfus in Russian, Goldberg in Dutch, Goldenbaum in Polish and Goldfos in Greek.

A variant surname of similar origin is Koeppen, derived from the Middle High German word 'kuphus', meaning “basket maker”. These surnames may be related to one another, and were likely adopted upon the settlement of Jews in Germany following their expulsion from France in 1182.

The Goldfuss surname is usually found within Jewish communities in Europe, and continues to be used today in countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Australia.

Famous people with the name Goldfuss

• Adam Goldfuss (1980-), American investor and writer
• Andreas Goldfuss (1782-1848), German geologist
• Damian Goldfuss (1978-), German-born game composer and sound designer
• David Francis Goldfuss (1803-1850), German-American lichenologist and botanist
• Ernst Goldfuss (1782-1848), German geologist and paleontologist
• Hans Goldfuss (1782–1848), German artist specializing in natural history
• Helena Goldfuss (1948-), German-born American artist
• Josiah Goldfuss (1683-1763), German naturalist
• Ludwig Goldfuss (1778–1848), German paleontologist
• Michael Goldfuss (1930-2015), Austrian scientist and astrophysicist
• Reinhold Goldfuss (1782-1848), German Scientst
• Samuel Goldfuss (1784-1867), German naturalist
• William Goldfuss (1809-1889), German industrialist and founder of the city of Goldfuss, Tennessee
• Al Goldfuss (1915-2003), American filmmaker
• Mario Goldfuss (1960-), Brazilian songwriter and music producer

Other surnames

GoldfuhsGoldfus