Surname Gutkes - Meaning and Origin
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Gutkes: What does the surname Gutkes mean?
The last name Gutkes is derived from the Middle High German term "gutke." Gutke was a surname applied to people who were "good" or "fortunate." The word originally meant "well-off" and was used to describe people or families who enjoyed wealth or other forms of privilege.
There are a few possible sources for the surname. One theory is that the name was used to describe people who lived near a "good" spring or well which provided them with a steady source of water. The theory is supported by records of the surname which date back to the 12th century when the Gutkes were likely landowners who gained their wealth through agricultural production.
Gutkes could also be those who were especially adept at business. This is another possible origin, as the name reflects a successful entrepreneur. Additionally, the surnames Gutke and Gutkewitz are nearly interchangeable in some parts of Europe and may stem from the same source.
In terms of its meanings, the last name Gutkes could refer to someone who was lucky or successful, either in terms of wealth or business. It could also refer to those who lived near ample resources or by a good source of water. The origin of the name is still up for debate but it has a long history in Europe.
Order DNA origin analysisGutkes: Where does the name Gutkes come from?
The last name Gutkes is commonly found primarily in Israel and Eastern Europe today. It is particularly common in Russia, Romania, Estonia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
In the late 1800s, the Gutkes surname began just one single family line in the small shtetl of Frampol, located in Poland at the time and now part of Ukraine. The Gutkes family’s story follows the pattern of many other Jewish families in the 1800s: a forced exodus from Frampol, followed by migrations to cities and towns in Russia, Romania, and other Eastern European countries. After World War II, many members of the Gutkes family made their way to Israel, where the family name remains relatively common today.
In Israel, the surname is usually spelled “Gutkes,” but some variations exist, such as “Gitkes,” “Gutkis,” and “Gutkin.” In Eastern Europe, the surname has assimilated to local cultures and many variants exist. For instance, in Russia the surname may be spelled as “Gutke,” “Gutkey,” or “Gutkin,” as well as other variations.
Overall, the Gutkes surname is still very much present in Israel and Eastern Europe today, where it serves as proof of the tenacity and strength of the family’s past family line. The Gutkes family has gone through periods of hardship, but continues to carry on their legacy around the world.
Variations of the surname Gutkes
Gutkes is a Jewish surname with German and Polish origins. It is commonly found within Central Europe and among people of Ashkenazi descent. Its variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:
Gutkin (Гуткин) – This variant is seen among Russian-speaking populations. It can also be spelled ‘Gutke’.
Gutkowski (Gutkueski) – Found in both Germany and Poland, this spelling combines the German ‘-ski’ ending with the polonized ‘-eski’ spelling that is commonly found in Slavic languages.
Gutermann – This surname is commonly found among people of German and Yiddish descent. It is a combination of the word 'Guter', which refers to something good, with 'Mann' meaning ‘man’.
Guttman – This common surname is a variation of the name Gutman and is often found throughout Eastern Europe.
Gutkens – This is a combination of the German word ‘Gut’, which translates to ‘good’, with ‘Kens’ meaning ‘kin’ or ‘family’.
Gutgesell – This German spelling is a combination of the words ‘Gut’ and ‘Gesell’ which refer to a fellow or companion.
Gutseit – This is a variant of the name which combines the words ‘Gut’ and ‘Seite’ meaning ‘side’. It is a reference to a ‘good side’ or ‘good aspect’.
Guttsman – This is another variation of the name, and combines ‘Gut’ with the suffix ‘man’ to denote a ‘good man’.
Gutmane – This is a variant of the name found in Yiddish and German-speaking populations, and is derived from the words ‘Gut’ and ‘Mane’.
Gutt (Gutte) – This surname is derived from the German word for ‘good’. It is commonly found throughout Central Europe.
Famous people with the name Gutkes
- Gustavo Gutkes: Brazilian content creator, television presenter, actor, singer, and producer.
- Olivier Gutkes: Swiss football manager.
- Phil Gutkes: Canadian actor, director and writer.
- Stuart Gutkes: American film, television, and stage actor.
- Steven Gutkes: American basketball player.
- Gershon Gutkes: Canadian rabbi.
- Alejandro Gutkes: Spanish biotechnology researcher at Harvard.
- Assaf Gutkes: Israeli doi:10.3390/genes11070511
- Selina Gutkes: Canadian actress, singer and songwriter.
- Marvin Gutkes: American restaurateur, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.