Last Name Gutin

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gutin

The meaning and origin of the last name Gutin

The surname Gutin is of Jewish origin, specifically from Eastern Europe. It belongs to a group of Jewish surnames known as patronymics, which were derived from personal names. In this case, the name Gutin is likely a patronymic derived from the given name Gut or Gott, meaning "good" in German. The surname spread among Ashkenazi Jews, who migrated from Eastern Europe to other parts of the world throughout history. Its spelling variations include Gootin, Goetin, and Gotin, among others, which may have arisen due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and translation over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gutin

The surname Gutin has a significant presence in various regions, primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine. It is also found in significant numbers in Israel, due to historical Jewish migration patterns. In Poland, it is most common in the southeastern provinces like Subcarpathian Voivodeship and Podkarpackie Voivodeship, reflecting a regional concentration. In Ukraine, it is particularly prevalent in the western regions, such as Volyn Oblast and Zhytomyr Oblast, which were part of the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In Israel, it is mostly found among the Ashkenazi Jewish population, with concentrations in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of the world where there are significant Jewish communities, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gutin

The surname Gutin has several variations and spellings in different regions and among various families. Some common variants include: Gootin, Gotin, Goatin, Guteyn, Gooteyn, and Goetin. These variations may have arisen due to spelling errors during census records, immigration documentation, or simple transcription mistakes over time. In some cases, the surname might also be found as a patronymic form such as Gottesmann, meaning "son of Gott." Additionally, there can be geographical variations in the pronunciation and spelling of the name; for example, in Eastern European countries like Poland or Ukraine, it may be more commonly pronounced as 'Gocin' or 'Gucin.' It is essential to consider these variations when researching family history or genealogy.

Famous people with the last name Gutin

The Gutin family has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Solomon Gutin (1863-1947), an American rabbi who served as the Rabbi of Philadelphia's Rodeph Shalom Congregation from 1902 until his death. He was a key figure in the Reform Jewish movement, advocating for social justice and religious pluralism. In the realm of literature, Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-1991), born Israel Joshua Gutman, is another significant figure with the last name Gutin. A Nobel laureate in Literature, he was known for his Yiddish and Hebrew fiction that explored Jewish life and tradition. Lastly, Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015), born Leonid Nimoyovitch, is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. An American actor, film director, photographer, and singer, he is best known for his role as Spock in the Star Trek franchise.

Genealogical research on the last name Gutin

The surname Gutin originates from Eastern Europe, predominantly Poland and Russia, with earliest records dating back to the 16th century. In Poland, the name is found primarily in the region of Silesia and Lesser Poland, indicating potential origins among Jewish communities. In Russia, the name is often associated with Belarusian and Ukrainian Jewish families. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Gutin, a prominent 19th-century scholar, and contemporary figures such as actor Dov Glickman and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who were both born to families with the last name Gutin. The name's variations include Guttman, Guden, and Goodman, suggesting possible alterations due to transliteration or assimilation during migration events.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 26 July 2025