Surname Gotselig - Meaning and Origin

Gotselig: What does the surname Gotselig mean?

The last name Gotselig is derived from an Old German term “Goutsmiling” which literally translates to “good luck.” This suggests that the family history likely includes stories of good fortune and good luck throughout its long history.

The surname could have also become associated with other connections such as greatness or prosperity. It is possible that the individuals or families with this surname had a history of achieving long-term success and wealth.

Alternately, the name could be related to a nickname, referencing someone of a cheerful disposition. If someone was often seen with a big smile, they could have come to be known as “the Gotselig” family—this would be a fitting name considering its translations.

Today, the surname Gotselig is found most often in Germany and Austria, however, it has been known to spread to other countries over time. The term is still in use as a surname today, although it has become increasingly rare in recent times.

Although the origin of the surname Gotselig may remain a mystery, it is clear that the term is rooted in good luck and prosperity. It is a reminder of the importance that positive thinking can have on our lives, and how we can strive to reach the same levels of success and wealth that the original Gotselig family had achieved.

Gotselig: Where does the name Gotselig come from?

The last name Gotselig is most commonly found in Germany, especially in the northern regions. It is also found in smaller populations in Poland and parts of Eastern Europe.

This last name can be derived from a Germanic given name which either means 'God helped' or 'God was kind'.

It is believed to have originated in Bavaria, or the south-eastern regions of present-day Germany. The presence of this surname is first recorded in the documentations of the 13th century when it was mentioned among the names of knights serving under the then Duke.

The modern-day concentration of this last name is in the area which was once part of the German state of Prussia, where it is still found in prosperous numbers.

It is also common in parts of present-day Norway, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Czech Republic and Sweden.

The last name Gotselig likely is derived from the village of Gösel in the Rhineland, but its exact origin remains unknown.

Variations of the surname Gotselig

The variants spellings and surnames of Gotselig originate from the old German and Yiddish name Goetzelig, which translates to “God’s blessing.” Throughout history, this surname has taken on different spellings in different countries, due to varying translations. Some of the more common variants, spellings, and surnames of Gotselig include:

-Götezlich (Germany)

-Gutzlick (Austria)

-Gotzlick (Poland)

-Gutsehlich (Russia)

-Gotselig (USA)

-Gutshop (Finland)

-Gootschalk (Netherlands)

-Gootshalk/Gootschalk (Belgium)

-Gutselig (Denmark/Sweden)

-Gotselis/Gotzlelis (Lithuania)

-Gutzlewski (Poland)

-Gutzley/Gootzley (Player)

In more modern times, other surnames have been derived out of the Gotselig line, such as:

-Gutsell/Gutsell (England/USA)

-Gutselman (Ukraine)

-Gutzeit (USA/Belgium)

-Gotzler/Gotzler (Germany/Switzerland)

-Gootee (USA)

-Gutspaun (Austria)

-Gutzler/Gutzler/Gutzlaff (USA/Germany/Poland)

The widespread presence of these surnames around Europe and the Americas serves as an indication of the Gotselig surname’s enduring significance and a reminder of its ancient German and Yiddish roots.

Famous people with the name Gotselig

• Paul Gotselig: former footballer for Borussia Mönchengladbach who also served as their interim manager.
• Johnny Gotselig: professional ice hockey player who was active during the 1920s and 1930s.
• Anton Gotselig: First World War astronaut from Germany who has an asteroid named after him.
• Kay Gotselig: British weightlifter who competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
• Mathias Gotselig: Danish football goalkeeper who has played with clubs like FC København and FC Nordsjælland.
• Nick Gotselig: former starting guard for the UNC Tar Heels basketball team.
• Sepp Gotselig: Austrian cyclist who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
• Johannes Gotselig: Norwegian footballer who appeared in five international matches with the Norwegian national team.
• Bert Gotselig: German sprinter who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics.
• Heinz Gotselig: German judge and Oberreichsanwalt at the Reichsgericht who was a Nazi party member.

Other surnames

Gotselich