Surname Götzke - Meaning and Origin

Götzke: What does the surname Götzke mean?

The last name Götzke originates from the German language and is an occupational surname. The literal translation of the word is "goat-keeper". This is derived from the German word "goat" and the suffix "-ke". The suffix "-ke" is found mainly in occupational names and is an indicator of someone working in a specific trade.

People with the Götzke name can trace their roots back to parts of Germany including Pomerania, Prussia, and Saxony. It is believed that the name was likely derived from those working in the profession of goat-keeping which was a popular job in the areas where the Götzke family lived.

In modern times, people with the Götzke name can largely be found living in Germany as well as parts of the United States, Canada, and other countries. The name itself is quite rare but has managed to remain a part of many family lines. For some, it still remains an indication of the profession that their ancestors used to have.

The Götzke family has been around for many generations and has deep roots in the German language and culture. Although the actual profession of goat-keeping has largely died out, Götzke remains a reminder of days gone by and the profession of those who carried the name.

Götzke: Where does the name Götzke come from?

The last name Götzke is primarily associated with Germany, where it is a relatively common surname. In fact, it is the 111th most common surname in Germany, according to the 2020 population census.

The name is also known in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland, where it is also listed in national census listings of the most common surnames.

In the United States, the name Götzke is much less common. Nevertheless, the name has a presence in the US census since at least the early 2000s, suggesting some Götzkes have immigrated there in recent decades. In recent years, a small number of Götzkes have appeared in the US Census, particularly in the Midwest region. However, the name does not appear to be particularly common in the US, making up only a small fraction of the overall population.

Outside of German speaking countries and the United States, Götzke is known but much less common. For example, the name appears in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in the past couple of decades, but it does not appear to be as widespread as in Germany.

Overall, the surname Götzke is primarily associated with Germany where it is a relatively common surname. However, it can also be found in other countries, particularly the United States, where the name is much less common but has still been established in the population in recent years.

Variations of the surname Götzke

The variants and spellings of the surname Götzke are Goetzke, Götzk, Gotske, Gutske, Gutzke. Götzke is derived from an ancient Germanic word, “gōd”, and therefore, all its variant spellings have the same root.

The alternative surnames of the same origin include Gödicke, Gödke, Göichke, Goeddke, Goidke, Goedicke, Güddke, Güedke, Güedicke, Goedke, Goeicke, Gutdke, Goeick, Gutsick, Güdick, Güdtke, Goettke, Goetje, Gietke, Goetke, Goetk, Gietske, and Goetkoff.

The name Götzke is derived from the personal name “Götz”, which is a pet form of “Gottfried”. Götz was a popular medieval name for boys, which means “God’s peace” and reflects the German first element “gōd” combined with the second element “frithu”, which means “peace”. In some cases, this name was used for a person who acted as a “peace-maker”. It is related to the English name “Godfrey”.

Götzke is primarily a North Germanic name and is quite widespread in Germany, especially in Berlin and Brandenburg. It is also common in Poland and other parts of Central Europe.

Aside from the Götzke, Goetzke and all its other variant spellings, families with the surname Götzke are also known by other surnames, such as Goddt, Godzik, Goda, Godzien, Godzik, Gudel, Goedel, Gietel, Gietzel, Goding, Gdudik and Goedick.

Famous people with the name Götzke

• Peter Götzke: German actor.
• Malte Götzke: German football coach best known for working with the German U-20 team during the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
• Tim Götzke: Former German footballer and current CEO of TSV 1860 Munich, a German football club.
• Alexander Götzke: German basketball player.
• Lutz Götzke: Former German ice hockey player.
• Hermann Götzke: Retired German ice hockey player who was part of the gold medal-winning team in the 1992 Winter Olympics.
• Wolfgang Götzke: German football manager, nicknamed "Küsschen" (Kisses) for his diplomatic approach.
• Emil Götzke: German footballer who played in the Bundesliga for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
• Uwe Götzke: German sprint canoeist and two-time Olympic medallist.
• Meg Götzke: German professional volleyball player.

Other surnames

GötzkenGötzkes