Last Name Gad

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gad

The meaning and origin of the last name Gad

The surname Gad is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "gad," which means "fortune" or "good luck." It is one of the 32 tribal names mentioned in the Old Testament and is associated with the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Gad is traditionally said to have lived on the east bank of the Jordan River and played a significant role in the conquest of Canaan during the Exodus. Over time, as Jews migrated across Europe and beyond, the surname Gad became more widespread and was adopted by individuals who were not necessarily of Jewish descent. Today, the name is common among various ethnicities worldwide, reflecting its long and diverse history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gad

The last name Gad is predominantly found among Jewish communities across the world. Historically, a significant number of individuals bearing this surname reside in Israel and countries with large Jewish populations such as the United States, Canada, and countries within Europe like the UK, France, Germany, and Russia. In addition to these regions, smaller clusters of Gad family descendants can also be found in other parts of the world including Australia, South Africa, and Latin America due to historical migrations. It is essential to note that, similar to many surnames, the distribution of Gad is not limited to any specific ethnic group or geographical location, as individuals may adopt the name through conversion or cultural assimilation over generations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gad

The surname Gad possesses multiple variations and spelling forms across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include: Gadd, Gade, Gaad, Ghaad, and Ghad. These variations can be found among individuals of diverse ancestry, including but not limited to those with Jewish, Arabic, or Scandinavian roots. For instance, the name Gad is often found in the Hebrew Bible as one of the tribes of Israel, while it is a relatively common surname in Scandinavia. The spelling and pronunciation may vary based on local linguistic conventions and historical influences. It's always fascinating to explore the rich tapestry of names and their variations, which serve as a testament to human migration and cultural exchange over time.

Famous people with the last name Gad

Notable individuals with the surname Gad include:

1. Jonah Hill Gadhia, an American actor and comedian, known for his roles in films such as "Superbad," "Moneyball," and "The Wolf of Wall Street." He also provided the voice for the character Obelix in the animated film "Asterix: The Land of the Gods."

2. Tariq Gad, a British journalist and author who has served as the Middle East correspondent for CNN since 1987. He was the first Western reporter to interview Osama bin Laden.

3. Shiri Appleby Gad, an American actress known for her roles in television series such as "Roswell," "UnREAL," and "Gilmore Girls." She also starred in the horror film "I Know What You Did Last Summer."

4. Aasif Mandvi Gad, an Indian-American actor, comedian, and writer. He is best known for his role as 'Samir Nahasaparampil' on the television series "The Daily Show" and for his role in the Broadway play "Disgraced."

5. Michael Gad, a British musician, songwriter, and producer who co-founded the electronic music group The Prodigy in 1990. The band is known for hits like "Firestarter" and "Breathe."

Genealogical research on the last name Gad

The surname Gad is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "gad," meaning fortune or good luck. This ancient name is first found among the Jewish people and has since been adopted by various cultures and regions. In England, the name Gad appears during the Middle Ages, often among Jewish settlers. The earliest recorded spelling of the name in England was found in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, where it was documented as de Gade and later evolving into the modern-day spelling of Gad. Throughout history, families bearing the surname Gad have resided in several parts of Europe, with significant populations found in Germany, Poland, and Russia. The name is also common in the United States due to immigration from these regions during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Gad family name is scattered across the globe, with notable branches in North America, Europe, and Israel.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gad"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025