Surname Göttle - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Göttle: What does the surname Göttle mean?
The last name Göttle is an old German name derived from the Middle High German word “Gottel” which literally means "little god" or "god-likequot;. It is thought to be a diminutive or nickname for a devout Christian. In the Middle Ages, this was a term of endearment among Christians; someone who was especially pious would be referred to as such.
The earliest recorded use of the name was in 1253, in the north western German state of Westphalia. During this time it was common practice to adopt a last name that described somebody’s profession or physical attributes. It is possible that Göttle was adopted because of somebody’s devotion to Christianity.
Throughout history, the Göttle family can be linked to some of Germany’s most prominent families and influential figures, such as the famous Bavarian King Louis I. This is perhaps evidence that the name is linked to an aristocracy rather than being based on a commoner’s attributes.
Today, the Göttle last name can be found mainly in Germany, but has expanded to other parts of Europe, the U.S., and Canada. It has become an increasingly popular name amongst immigrants and those of German heritage.
The Göttle name carries a sense of spiritual devotion and respect for religion. It is still used as a term of endearment for someone who is exceptionally pious, and has become a well-known and respected last name around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisGöttle: Where does the name Göttle come from?
The last name Göttle is most common in the German-speaking countries of Europe, namely Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is rare elsewhere, although records exist of Göttles having immigrated to the United States and other countries worldwide.
The majority of the Göttles are of German origin and the name is said to have originated from the Bavarian region of Germany. The word ‘Göttle’ is a variation of the old German word ‘Gott’, meaning ‘God’. It is thought that the name was first used as an occupational surname for a person who held a special religious or spiritual office, such as a priest.
In Germany, Göttle is concentrated in the southern state of Bavaria. It is also found in the neighboring Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, and Baden-Wuerttemberg, all in the southwest of Germany. In Vienna, Austria it is primarily found in the 2nd district, while in Switzerland it is mainly found in the German-speaking Canton of Bern.
As of 2018, the number of people in Germany bearing the last name Göttle was estimated to be around 960. The majority of Göttles in Germany and Austria are Protestant and Germany’s Protestant Church records of baptisms, marriages and deaths track the Göttle surname back to the 17th century.
Today, the Göttle surname is still in use in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but records also exist of Göttles having spread out to countries across the world.
Variations of the surname Göttle
The surname Göttle is of German origin and can be spelt in several ways including Göttle, Goettle, Goettl, Goetle, and Goethel. It is most commonly found in the regions of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The variants for the surname are most likely derived from the word ‘Götze’ which means ‘idols’ or ‘deities’ in Old High German. It is believed that the surname may have derived from the worship, or perhaps just acknowledgment, of the various deities (mentioned in the Bible) that were considered important by the ancients.
Surnames that are of the same origin may include Gettl, Götzel, Gottl, Gettle, Gettels, Göttler, Gotter, Götering, Götting, Gotte, Gotzke, Goetel, Goetzel, Goetzen, Goetze, Gotzen, Götzke, Göttinger, Goetz, and Götl. Each of these surnames can be found in various regions of Europe. It is likely that individuals with the same ancestral name will have slightly differing spellings due to regional differences, pronunciation and the fact that surnames evolved over time. The variants of Göttle typically indicate that the original ancestor was of German origin and likely displayed slight physical and cultural traits.
Famous people with the name Göttle
- Alexander Göttle: German actor, director, and writer, best known for his portrayal of Freddie Bauer in the German version of the TV series In Treatment (In Therapie).
- Boris Göttle: Swiss Olympic decathlete who competed in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Jonathan Göttle: German tenor and voice actor, well known for his work in various gaming titles as well as dubbing Pixar films such as Up and Brave.
- Jürgen Göttle: Former German basketball player who played on the German national team in the 1970s.
- Colin Göttle: Canadian musician, producer, and songwriter, best known for his work with electronic duo Freemasons.
- Lars Göttle: German writer and historian, best known for his epic non-fiction novel, The German People: From Past to Present (Die Deutschen: Vom Alten zum Neuen).
- Oscar Göttle: Austrian-born American film and television actor, mostly known for his work in horror films such as The Amityville Horror (1979).
- Jakob Göttle: Austrian filmmaker and visual artist, credited mostly in television series such as Super Hero High and Andrew & Jeremy's Adventure.
- Philip Göttle: German-born American art director and designer, mostly known for his work in the 1980s horror film industry.
- Ulrike Göttle: German born fashion designer based in New York City, best known for her unique blending of Applied Art and Avant-Garde.