All about the name

Gould

Male

« The given name Gould of English origin means "yellow metal" and was initially used as a surname for goldsmiths before becoming popular as a given name. »

#25564 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Gould is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "gold", which means "yellow metal". The name Gould was initially used as a surname, but it has gained popularity as a given name in recent years. The use of the name Gould can be traced back to medieval England, where it was often bestowed upon individuals who were goldsmiths or worked with precious metals. Over time, the name became associated with wealth and prosperity due to its connection to gold. In literature, the name Gould has been used by several notable authors. For example, it is the last name of one of the main characters in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter". Additionally, the American poet Sylvia Plath included a character named Gould in her semi-autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar". Despite its English origins, the name Gould has also gained popularity in other parts of the world. In France, for instance, it is considered a unisex given name and can be spelled either "Gould" or "Goul", with both variations being quite popular. Overall, the name Gould is unique and distinctive, with a rich history dating back to medieval England. Its association with wealth and prosperity makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a meaningful and memorable name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Gould since 1880

Total births
28
Total since 1880
Peak year
1914
7 births
in 1925
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years