Last Name Gutmacher

The surname Gutmacher originates from Germany and Austria. It is a metronymic or occupational name for a maker or seller of gutters or earthen pots. The name derives from the German word "Gut" meaning gutter or pot, and "Macher" meaning maker. Variations of this surname include Güther, Guther, Guter, Gothier, Gothierer, Gottlieb, Gothman, Gudtmann, Guthmann, and Guthmacher. It is also found in other parts of Europe due to historical migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gutmacher

The meaning and origin of the last name Gutmacher

The surname Gutmacher is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "gut" which means good or valuable, and the Middle High German word "macher" meaning maker or doer. Thus, the name Gutmacher originally denoted a skilled craftsman who produced goods of high quality. The surname appeared in various forms during the Middle Ages in Germany, such as Gudemacar, Gudemach, and Gudemaker. The use of occupational names was common throughout Europe during this period, as they served as a way to identify an individual's profession or trade. Over time, the name spread to other regions as German settlers migrated, leading to its presence in many countries today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gutmacher

The surname Gutmacher has predominantly Germanic origins and is primarily concentrated in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it is also found in significant numbers among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, the United States, and other countries with large Jewish populations. The distribution of the name Gutmacher within these regions suggests a historical migration pattern of Jewish families, often associated with trade or religious persecution, from Europe to North America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, there are pockets of Gutmachers in other countries like South Africa, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which may be attributable to more recent immigration or intermarriage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gutmacher

The surname Gutmacher has several variations and spellings, offering insight into its multifaceted origins and regional influences. These variants include Guthmaker, Guthmack, Gothmaker, Gotmaker, Gootmacher, and Gottmacher. Some of these variations may arise from dialectical differences or phonetic changes over time. The name is primarily of German and Ashkenazi Jewish origin, deriving from the Old High German words "gut" meaning good and "machen" meaning to make, indicating an original occupation or a place where goods were produced. These variations serve as testament to the rich cultural history and migration patterns that have shaped the name Gutmacher throughout the centuries.

Famous people with the last name Gutmacher

The Gutmacher family has produced several notable figures across various fields, including medicine and law. One of the most renowned is Hannah Gutmacher, an American gynecologist who made significant contributions to family planning and reproductive health. She served as a medical director for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and was instrumental in shaping the family planning policies during her tenure from 1967-1983. In the legal sphere, Norman J. Gutmacher is recognized for his expertise in antitrust law and intellectual property rights. He served as a Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, one of the world's largest law firms, from 1975 until his retirement in 2004. Another significant figure is Robert Gutmacher, an American psychiatrist who specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry. He was the first chief of the Child Psychiatry Division at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and made substantial contributions to the understanding and treatment of mental health issues in children.

Genealogical research on the last name Gutmacher

The surname Gutmacher is believed to have originated from the German-speaking regions, specifically Austria and southern Germany. The name translates to "leather merchant" in German, derived from the Middle High German word "gut" (good) and "mach(er)" (maker). Historical records show that the first recorded instance of this surname was around the 13th century, with Johannes Gutmacher appearing in records from the town of Kempten in Bavaria. Over time, many branches of the Gutmacher family migrated to various parts of Europe and later to the Americas, particularly the United States. The Gutmacher family is associated with several notable figures, including Solomon Gutman (1809-1874), a prominent Jewish American entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed significantly to the development of New York City. Despite its European origins, the Gutmacher name has become globally dispersed, reflecting the diaspora and migrations of the family throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gutmacher"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends