Surname Goulding - Meaning and Origin

Goulding: What does the surname Goulding mean?

The surname Goulding is of English origin and reportedly has two possible sources. One source suggests that it is derived from the Old English personal name, 'Golda' (meaning 'to shine' or 'gold') combined with 'ingas' which signifies 'the people of' or 'the sons of', hence 'the sons of Golda'.

The second proposed origin is occupational, linked to the Old English 'gyldan', which means 'to gild' or 'goldsmith'. In this context, Goulding would have been used to describe a person who gilds objects with gold leaf, a practice common in the Middle Ages.

The surname was first found in Suffolk, England, and variations of the surname include Golding, Goldin, and Goolde. Like many surnames, over the centuries, it spread across the country and later to other English-speaking countries through emigration. It remains most common in English-speaking nations, including the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Goulding: Where does the name Goulding come from?

The surname Goulding is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Golda" (meaning gold) combined with "-ing" which implies 'son of' or 'family of.' Thus, Goulding could mean "the family or son of Golda."

The name first appeared in English records in Kent, England, in the 13th century. Many members of the Goulding family emigrated during the era of the British Empire, spreading the name across English-speaking countries such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. In the Middle Ages, it was commonly found in Sussex, England.

Today, the name Goulding still occurs most frequently in England and is particularly common in the South East region of the country. It also holds significant presence in Ireland, Australia, United States and Canada. The name gained international fame with the English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding.

Variations of the surname Goulding

The surname Goulding has various spellings and variants due to regions and personal preference. Some of the common spellings and variants include Golding, Goolding, Goulden, and Goldin.

These variations are mostly due to phonetic interpretations as people would often spell it out based on how they heard it. The difference in spelling can also be attributed to illiteracy in the past, where people would just spell it out as they thought fit.

The surname is mostly English and possibly an occupational name for a worker in gold, a refiner, an artisan, or a gilder. It comes from the pre 7th century Old English word "gyldan". Variations in the surname could also possibly hint at familial branches or regional influences.

The surname Goulding and its variants are also Jewish (Ashkenazic), with variants like Gold or Golden as Americanized forms.

Surnames that may be of the same origin include Gould, Golder, Gold, and Goldner. This again signifies the occupational or regional influence in the formation of surnames.

Famous people with the name Goulding

• Ellie Goulding: A famous British singer-songwriter and musician, known for her distinctive, ethereal sound and hits like "Lights," "Burn," and "Love Me Like You Do."
• Jay Goulding: A Canadian film and television actor.
• Harold Goulding: A British Olympic athlete who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics.
• Zac Goulding: A domestic cricketer from New Zealand.
• Steve Goulding: An English drummer and musician known for his work with various bands such as The Rumour and Graham Parker.
• Alexander Goulding: A former professional rugby union player from England.
• Bob Goulding: An English professional rugby league football coach and former player.
• Glenn Goulding: A British fashion director.
• Mick Goulding: A former footballer who played as a midfielder for various English Football League clubs.
• Matt Goulding: An American food and travel writer, co-founder of Roads & Kingdoms and author of the book "Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japan's Food Culture."
• Rebecca Goulding: An accomplished British equestrian eventer. Interestingly, the last name Goulding originates from an Anglo-Saxon tribe in Britain.

Other surnames

Gouldie