Surname Goucher - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Goucher: What does the surname Goucher mean?
The surname Goucher is of French origin and was first found in Burgundy, a historic region in east-central France. This name is believed to be a derivative of the Old French personal name "Gaucher", which means "left-handed" or "awkward". Over time, the spelling evolved, and Gaucher became Goucher in some regions. Like many surnames, the exact meaning is influenced by geographical and cultural factors and could also be related to a profession or physical trait. In this case, it might have been used as a nickname for someone left-handed or clumsily. The frequency of this surname is relatively higher in the United Kingdom compared to other countries. However, it's not considered a common surname. One notable person with this last name is American long-distance runner Kara Goucher.
Order DNA origin analysisGoucher: Where does the name Goucher come from?
The last name Goucher is of French origin. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "gaucher," which means left-handed. This surname was likely initially used as a nickname for someone who was left-handed before it evolved into a family name. The surname found its way to England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Today, the surname Goucher is relatively rare and is not particularly common in any specific country. However, it can be found sporadically in various countries worldwide, including England, France, the United States, Canada, and Australia. It's worth noting that there might be a higher concentration in countries that have seen significant French immigration. The surname has also gained some recognition in the United States through notable individuals like Paula Goucher, a prominent long-distance runner.
Variations of the surname Goucher
The surname Goucher seems to be of English origin, probably an occupational name for an examiner or tester, derived from the Middle English word "gaugen" which means "to measure".
Variants or similar surnames include Gaucher, Gocher, Goocher, Gauche, and possibly even Gautier, Goudie, or Goucherie in French contexts.
As for spellings, it could also be spelled as Gouger, Gocher, Goacher, or Gouchier. However, each of these variations may also have their own distinct origins independent of Goucher. It's noteworthy to mention that surnames can be significantly altered due to errors in transcription, intentional changes, or regional dialect influences.
The surname could potentially have marine origins as well, with some sources suggesting its origin as a nickname for a safe seaman, from the old Norman French word gouche, translates to "left-handed" or indirectly skilled. However, this theory isn't generally accepted.
Without specific genealogical research, it is not straightforward to identify all the variants and related surnames of Goucher, mainly because surnames often have diverse origins and evolutions across different regions and timespans.
Famous people with the name Goucher
- Adam Goucher: A retired American long-distance runner, Adam Goucher is best known for his accomplishments in collegiate track and field. He won four NCAA titles in his college career.
- Kara Goucher: An accomplished American long-distance runner who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. She is also the wife of Adam Goucher and much of her career was intertwined with her husband's.
- Jean-Claude Goucher: A Canadian author known for works in both novels and plays. Some of his most famous works include “The Forces of the Passage” and “Glass Faces".
- Paul Goucher: A former professional ice hockey player. He played for teams in both the National Hockey League (NHL) & American Hockey League (AHL), such as Hartford Whalers and Binghamton Whalers.
- Tim Goucher: A noted Australian sports commentator with expertise in football. He is often heard on ABC Grandstand football broadcasts and Fox Sports television.
- David L. Goucher: An American author notable for his work in the historical fiction genre, particularly his novel, “Once Upon a Time in War".
- Madeleine Goucher: A professional ballerina hailing from Canada, she is a former principal dancer of the San Francisco Ballet and the Pacific Northwest Ballet.