What is the origin of the last name Goubier?

The surname Goubier is believed to have origins in France. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Gui (a short form of Guillaume), which means "willful protector" in Germanic languages. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Gobert, Gobert, Gobier, and Goubier due to regional variations and scribal errors during record keeping. The name is most commonly found in northern France, particularly in the Normandy region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Goubier

The meaning and origin of the last name Goubier

The surname Goubier is of French origin, derived from various regional place names in France. It is most commonly associated with the region of Picardy, northern France, where the name often appears as "Goubert" or "Gobert." The name likely originated from a topographical feature, such as a hill (French: "butte") with an irregular shape, denoted by the Old French word "gobe," meaning hump or bump. Over time, the name evolved from Gobert to Goubier, reflecting phonetic changes in the French language. The surname Goubier is now found predominantly in France and its diaspora, particularly in Canada and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Goubier

The surname Goubier is primarily found in France, with significant concentrations in the north-eastern regions, particularly in Picardy and Alsace-Lorraine. It also has a notable presence in Brittany and Normandy. Outside of France, the name can be traced in Belgium, Luxembourg, and some Canadian provinces with French-speaking populations, such as Quebec. The distribution pattern suggests that the origin of the Goubier surname is predominantly French, likely stemming from the feudal period or later migrations within Europe. However, given the widespread nature of French influence throughout history, it's not uncommon to find individuals with the last name Goubier in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Goubier

The surname Goubier has several variations and spellings due to transcription errors over time and regional differences. Some common spelling variations include: Goobier, Gobeer, Gober, Gober, Goubert, Gobert, Gobeart, Gobier, and Gobbier. These variations can be found in French-speaking countries such as France, Canada, and Belgium, where the name is originally from. In English-speaking countries, the name may also appear as Goubyer or Gowbyer due to phonetic translations. Additionally, there may be other less common variations of this surname that are based on regional dialects or personal preferences in spelling.

Famous people with the last name Goubier

Notable individuals with the surname Goubier include:

1. Jacques Goubier (1923-2016), a French painter and sculptor, known for his abstract and surreal works. His art was showcased in several exhibitions worldwide.

2. Éric Goubier (born 1968), a French retired footballer who played as a midfielder. He spent most of his career at Olympique de Marseille, winning numerous titles including the UEFA Champions League in 1993.

3. Michel Goubier (born 1945), a French botanist and mycologist who has made significant contributions to the study of fungi, particularly lichens. He is also known for his work on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.

4. Pierre Goubier (1826-1903), a French engraver who specialized in intaglio techniques. He created many engravings for various publications, including religious works and illustrations for children's books.

Genealogical research on the last name Goubier

The surname Goubier, originating from France, is mainly found in the Normandy and Brittany regions. Historically, it is an occupational name derived from the Old French "gobe" or "goube," meaning a cask or barrel. The surname was given to someone who worked as a cooper, crafting and repairing wooden containers.

The Goubiers in France can be traced back to the 13th century, with notable appearances in records from Normandy during this period. As for migrations, the name Goubier is also found among French Canadian settlers in Quebec, particularly in the regions of Montreal and Trois-Rivieres, where they arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In England, variations like Goober, Guibourg, and Gibbs are related to Goubier through Anglicization processes during the Norman Conquest in 1066. The surname has also been found in small numbers in other countries due to French colonization and migration, such as Louisiana, USA.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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