The surname Gold has multiple origins. It can be of Jewish origin as a translation of Hebrew names containing the word zahav, meaning gold (e.g., Goldschein, Goldschmidt). In some cases, it may also be an occupational name for a goldsmith or someone who dealt in precious metals.
In English-speaking countries, Gold could be a topographic surname derived from the Old English word "geold," which means yellow soil or hill. The name could have been given to someone who lived on such land.
In some instances, it may also be a nickname for someone with blond hair or a person known for their wealth or generosity, although these usages are less common.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Gold
The meaning and origin of the last name Gold
The surname "Gold" is of Old English origin, derived from the word 'gold,' which means gold or yellow metal. It was originally a nickname for someone with golden hair, or for someone who had a sun-tanned complexion. Over time, it became a hereditary name as families began to adopt surnames. In some cases, the name Gold may have been used by Jewish individuals, given that gold is significant in Jewish culture due to its mentions throughout the Hebrew Bible. The name is common among Jewish people and can be found in many countries where Jews have settled historically, such as Germany, England, and France. Today, the surname "Gold" is widely dispersed around the world and can be found among people of various ethnicities and backgrounds.
Geographical distribution of the last name Gold
The surname Gold is predominantly of Jewish origin and has a significant concentration in countries with large Jewish populations, such as Israel, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it is most common in New York, followed by California, Florida, and Massachusetts. In Israel, Ashkenazi Jews typically carry the surname Gold. In Europe, particularly in Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Russia, variations of the name (Goldberg, Goldscheider, etc.) are more common due to assimilation and changes in naming conventions over time. Additionally, there are communities of Sephardic Jews in countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Spain where Gold or its derivatives may be found. The geographical distribution of the surname Gold reflects historical patterns of Jewish migration and dispersion.
Variants and spellings of the last name Gold
The surname "Gold" has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include: Gold, Gold(e), Goold, Golda, Gould, Golde, and Goldman. In some cases, the name may be hyphenated (such as Gold-stein or Gold-schmidt) to indicate a combination of two family names. Additionally, there are regional variations in spelling, such as "Gowd" or "Goold" in Scotland and Ireland, due to the phonetic nature of local dialects. These variations reflect the migration patterns and cultural influences on personal naming practices over time. Despite these differences, all of these names can be traced back to the Old English word "geold," which means "gold."
Famous people with the last name Gold
Notable individuals with the surname Gold include:
* Jon Gold, an American film and television actor known for his roles in shows like "Falcon Crest," "Santa Barbara," and "Dynasty."
* Jamie Gold, an American professional poker player who won the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in 2006, taking home a record-breaking $12 million prize.
* Dustin Hoffman, born Phillip Arthur Gold, is an Academy Award-winning American actor known for his roles in films like "The Graduate," "Midnight Cowboy," and "Rain Man."
* Neil Goldschmidt, an American politician who served as the Governor of Oregon from 1987 to 1991 and the Mayor of Portland, Oregon from 1973 to 1977. He was also a key advisor to President Jimmy Carter.
* Stephen Ira Gold, known professionally as Stevie Nicks, is an American singer-songwriter and musician who achieved fame as a member of the band Fleetwood Mac. She has enjoyed a successful solo career and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice – once with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and again as a solo artist in 2019.
Genealogical research on the last name Gold
The surname Gold has origins traced back to various regions including England, Germany, France, and Russia. In England, it is an Anglicized form of the Jewish name Gelb or Gollub, meaning "yellow" in German. In Germany, it was a topographic name for someone who lived by a gold mine or a yellow soil area. In France, Gold is a variant of the Jewish surname Goldschmidt, which means "goldsmith." The first recorded instance of the Gold surname in England was in 1273, when John le Gold was listed in the Hundred Rolls. Notable individuals with the surname Gold include Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel, and the American physicist Theodore Harold Maiman, who is credited with inventing the first laser. In modern times, the Gold family name can be found across various countries and cultures, reflecting its diverse origins and long history.
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.
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