Surname Gop - Meaning and Origin
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Gop: What does the surname Gop mean?
The last name Gop is of Indian origin and is commonly found among individuals of the Gop caste. The Gop are Hindu people who primarily live in western Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, two states in Northern India. People of the Gop caste were traditionally counted among the farming communities and were believed to have their roots in the Khariboli dialect of Hindi and Kannada.
The literal meaning of “Gop” is cowherd or one who looks after cows. In ancient India, cowherds played a very important role in the economy. They made dairy products such as ghee, butter, and yoghurt from the cow’s milk, and sold them at local markets.
Members of the Gop caste are known for their religious devotion and historically held high status in the society for their piety. They are still largely based in rural areas and tend to look after farming operations. They are active participants in local festivals, weddings, and other special occasions.
In modern times, individuals of the Gop caste are highly respected professionals such as doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs. They are also very active in politics and have held high administrative posts in governmental agencies.
The last name Gop is an important aspect of the collective heritage of the people of Northern India and a source of pride and strength for them. It is a reminder of the hardworking, entrepreneurial, and pious nature of those of the Gop caste who have successfully overcome obstacles and made a lasting impact on society.
Order DNA origin analysisGop: Where does the name Gop come from?
The last name Gop is most commonly found in the Indian state of Kerala today. It is a Hindu name and is often found among the Nair caste, a prominent aristocratic caste in Kerala.
Historically the Nair caste has been divided into different sub-castes and many of these bear the name Gop. Many members of the Gop sub-caste can trace their origins to the northern part of the state, mostly in districts such as Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode. In northern Kerala the Gop are believed to have migrated from the central parts of the region.
Many members of the Gop caste are also found in some parts of the Karnataka State, especially in Dakshina Kannada district. These migrants are believed to have traveled south during the 18th and 19th centuries, in search of greener pastures.
The Gop are usually involved in business and farming activities. They are also known for their involvement in temple-related socio-cultural rites like the Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances. More recently, however, they have also taken up professions in the medical, engineering and teaching sectors.
The Gop have spread throughout India in recent decades and few members are now found across the northern states such as Punjab and Haryana. As people continue to spread throughout India, the presence of the Gop is becoming increasingly visible in different parts of the country.
Variations of the surname Gop
The surname Gop is derived from the Sanskrit word "gopa," meaning “cow-keeper.” This is a descriptive surname, typically used historically by people with roles in the care and tending of cows, such as farmers and dairy owners.
Variants of the surname Gop include Gopee, Gope, Gopu, Gopi, Gopala, Gopal, Gopinath, and Gopalan. Other spellings include Gopp, Goppe, Goppi, Goppy, Goppu, Gappi, Gappu, Goupy, Gopeechand, Goppeechand, Göpfert, and Göpfrich. The same origin also extends to similar surnames, such as Gopalan and Gopalkrishnan.
The history of the surname can be traced back to the Malwa region of India, where surnames such as Gospi, Gopi, Gopee, and Gopalan were first used. In other states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, the variants Gopu, Gopi, and Gopinath appeared. In the modern day, Gop is found in all the states of India. Outside of India, the surname is steadily gaining traction in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia.
The surname Gop reflects a proud heritage of those with links to the cow-keepers of old, and its various variants continue to be passed down through families for generations.
Famous people with the name Gop
- Narendra Modi: Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014.
- Nikki Haley: Nimrata "Nikki" Haley is an American diplomat and politician who served as the 29th United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2018.
- Raja Gopaulsingh: Raja Gopaulsingh was a Sri Lankan politician and founder chairman of Gopalingam (ELEGA) Company.
- Pramod G. Sawant: Pramod Ganesh Sawant is an Indian politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party who has been the Chief Minister of Goa since March 2019.
- Radha Gopalan: Radha Gopalan is an Indian Scientist and professor of Biotechnology at the University of Madras, Chennai.
- Thoppil Antony Gopinath: Thoppil Antony Gopinath is an Indian judge who was the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court from October 2017 to October 2019.
- Jagdish Gopal Rao: Jagdish Gopal Rao was an Indian politician, freedom fighter and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs between 1959 and 1964.
- G. Gopinath Pillai: G. Gopinath Pillai is an Indian politician who represented the Indian National Congress party during the Central Assembly of India from 1952 to 1962.
- Kanimozhi Karunanidhi Gopalan: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi Gopalan is an Indian poet, lyricist and politician who is a member of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam political party.
- J. Jeyaram Gopala Krishnan: J. Jeyaram Gopala Krishnan is a famous Carnatic composer from India.