Surname Goulé - Meaning and Origin
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Goulé: What does the surname Goulé mean?
The last name Goulé is of French origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle French goulier, which means a maker or user of gales (iron bars used to close gates, doors, and windows). The surname is believed to have originated in the town of Goulée in the Poitou-Charentes region of western France.
Historically, the Goulé family was associated with the aristocracy and held high positions in the law, church, and government. During the 17th and 18th centuries many members of the family served as mayors of their local areas, and several members were noble knights.
The name Goulé is also the source of the surname Goulet in North America.
Goulé, as a surname, is relatively uncommon and used by a handful of families from France, Canada, and the United States. Currently, it is estimated that there are fewer than 1000 people with the surname Goulé, distributed across various countries.
Today, the descendants of the Goulé family are proud of their family's history, and they carry their name proudly. For instance, some members have used it to create artworks, promote business, and share knowledge. And, of course, many of them make a conscious effort to pass their unique surname on to future generations. In this way, the name Goulé continues to live on, even though the ancient family from which it originated has disappeared.
Order DNA origin analysisGoulé: Where does the name Goulé come from?
The last name Goulé is most commonly found in the Caribbean countries of Haiti, Dominica, and Grenada. It is believed to have ancestral ties to Martinique, with many spellsings including Goulais, Goulé, Goula, Goul, Goulay, and Gouley.
In Haiti, the Goulé family is known as an important and influential family and has been quite prominent since Sub-commander Constant Goulé led a failed revolt against President Jean-Claude Duvalier in May of 1983.
The Goulé family also has strong ties to Dominica, with many of its members born there. These Goulés have been influential in both governance and business.
In Grenada, the Goulé family is known for its pioneering of agroforestry, helping to shape the local ecology. Additionally, many members of this family immigrated to Grenada and settled in the Cap Estate area.
Finally, in the United States, members of the Goulé family can be found in the states of Florida and Georgia. In Florida, the Goulé family is known for its involvement in the world of professional tennis, having produced multiple championship players.
In conclusion, the last name Goulé can be found across the caribbean and is currently preferred by many due to its ample history and strong ties to both professional and family legacies.
Variations of the surname Goulé
The surname Goulé is derived from the Latin language and is a patronymic indicating someone who is “the son of a Gull”, a nickname for someone with a personality resembling a sea-bird. Variants of the surname can sometimes be encountered in English speaking countries, French speaking countries, and German speaking countries.
In English speaking countries, the surname is most often spelled "Goule". Variants include Goul, Gowl, and Gowll.
In French speaking countries, Goulé is the most common spelling for the surname, although variants include Goulez, Goullez, and Goullez. It is also sometimes rendered as Goulard.
In German speaking countries, the surname is written as “Gaul” or “Gaule”. Variants include Goller, Goeller, Goellerz, Gollers, Gollersz, Goul, Goulen, Gull, Gollerz, and Gollis.
Other variants can be encountered throughout the world, especially in former states of the Austro-Hungarian Empire such as Poland and Slovakia. These strongly indicate an ancestral Jewish heritage for some expressing this surname, so spellings like Goulewicz, Goulash, Gollisch, Gollager, and Gullich should not be discounted.
It should also be noted that Garcia or Gari is also considered a patronymic form indicating someone who is “the son of Gari or Garcia” and could also be related to this surname.
Famous people with the name Goulé
- Jules-Édouard Goulé: a French politician, lawyer, and alumnus of the prestigious Ecole de Commerce de Paris.
- Marceau Goulé: a French composer of instrumental music, heavily influenced by jazz.
- Germain Goulé: a Guinean footballer and coach, best known for his time with Accounting Sports Club.
- Marc Goulé: a French professional football manager and former player who currently manages Olympique de Marseille.
- Paul Goulé: a Gabonese footballer who currently plays for the Belgian club, Standard de Liège.
- Fernand Goulé: a Martinique:born sculptor, painter, and sketcher based in Canada.
- Christophe Goulé: a French professional para-alpine skier, a Paralympic gold medallist.
- Patrice Goulé: a Congolese long-distance runner, best known for having won three marathon titles in his career.
- Henry Goulé: a French discus thrower, Olympic silver medallist, and multiple-time national champion.
- David Goulé: a French rugby union player who currently plays for the US Dax pro club.