Last Name Guhl

The surname Guhl is of German origin. It is derived from a geographical name for someone who lived near a valley or hollow, as "Guhl" can mean 'hollow' or 'gully'. Alternatively, it could be a topographic name for someone who lived in a place with this type of geographical feature. The name may also have originated from the Middle High German word "guole," meaning 'to hoot,' indicating that an early namebearer possibly had a distinctive sounding voice or was associated with owls, perhaps as a nickname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guhl

The meaning and origin of the last name Guhl

The surname Guhl is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "Guhala," which means "swampy place" or "marsh." It is one of the many German surnames that were originally geographical indicators, describing where an individual lived or owned land. Over time, as populations migrated and records evolved, variations in spelling such as Gohle, Goelle, Guhle, and Guhl emerged. The name is most prevalent in Germany but can also be found in other Germanic-speaking regions like Switzerland and Austria. As with many surnames, the specific origin of the Guhl family may vary depending on the particular lineage, as local dialects, historical events, and record-keeping practices have influenced how names have been passed down through generations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guhl

The surname Guhl has its origins primarily in Germany, where it is most prevalent due to historical population patterns and migration waves. According to genealogical data, regions such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse exhibit a significant concentration of individuals bearing the name Guhl. The distribution also extends to other German-speaking areas like Austria and Switzerland. Additionally, smaller groups of Guhls can be found in other European countries, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as in North America, particularly the United States and Canada, where German immigration was substantial during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guhl

The surname Guhl, or its variations, can be found in different spellings across regions. Some common variants include Guhle, Guhlo, Guhlmann, Guehl, and Guehler, which are primarily found among German-speaking populations. These variations may arise due to differences in dialects, regional pronunciation, or spelling conventions over time. Additionally, the surname may have different spellings when transcribed from non-Latin scripts, such as Cyrillic (Гуhl) or Greek (Γουhl). It is worth noting that even within a single family, there can be variations in spelling due to factors like migration, assimilation, and official record-keeping.

Famous people with the last name Guhl

Notable individuals sharing the surname Guhl include:

1. John Guhl (born 1947), an American astronomer who has made significant contributions to the study of galaxies and galaxy evolution, particularly in understanding the dynamics of spiral galaxies.

2. Ernst Otto Guhl (1892-1975), a German mineralogist and crystallographer who played a crucial role in the development of X-ray diffraction techniques for the analysis of minerals and crystals. His research helped lay the foundation for modern crystallography.

3. Susanne Guhl (born 1962), a German actress who has appeared in numerous theater, film, and television productions since the late 1980s. She is known for her work with directors such as Fatih Akin and Dominik Graf.

4. Karl Hermann Guhl (1735-1810), a German lawyer, writer, and philosopher who played an important role in the Enlightenment movement. He was a critic of the church and a proponent of religious tolerance.

Genealogical research on the last name Guhl

The surname Guhl is primarily of German origin, derived from various regional place names, such as Gühlsdorf and Göhlsdorf, found in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse regions. The name can also be traced to the Middle High German word "guole," meaning "to guide" or "lead."

Early records show that the Guhl family was predominantly located in southwestern Germany during the Middle Ages. Notable individuals with this surname include Hans Ulrich von Gühl (1586-1652), a Swiss diplomat and military commander, and Johann Georg Guhl (1739-1790), a German astronomer.

As German populations expanded, the Guhl family migrated to other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, significant communities of people with the Guhl surname can be found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, as well as Germany.

Genealogical research has uncovered various branches within the Guhl family tree, including those with roots in Thuringia, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria, among others. The search for further insights into the history and heritage of the Guhl family continues through ongoing research and collaboration among genealogists worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Guhl"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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