Surname Goulaine - Meaning and Origin

Goulaine: What does the surname Goulaine mean?

The last name Goulaine is a French surname derived from the Occitan language and hails from the area of central and southern France. It originates from the French term goulaine, which in turn comes from the old Occitan gulana, meaning a type of drought-resistant grass which is used to feed grazing animals. In days gone by, this grass was abundant in the areas around the Rhône and Loire rivers.

The Goulaine surname dates back to the 12th century and is found in records from the 12th and 13th centuries, such as in the Archives de Rouen (13th century) and the Cartulaire de Ste Foy de Colombieres (12th century).

In the present day, those bearing the Goulaine last name are likely to have their roots in central and southern France, although some may have since branched out to other regions or countries.

Overall, the Goulaine surname is probably derived from a type of grass, and those with the surname are likely to have connections with central and southern France.

Goulaine: Where does the name Goulaine come from?

The last name Goulaine is most commonly found in France today. It is thought to have origins in the northern area of Brittany, historically called the Duchy of Brittany. The exact origins of the name are not known, but there are some theories that it may be of Breton origin.

In France, Goulaine is fairly common as an area name, with villages and regions throughout the country bearing the name. In Brittany alone, there are several localities outside the traditional borders of the Duchy carrying the name. Some common variations of the name include Goulain, Goulaya, Goulani, and Gulain.

Further afield, the name has spread to places like Spain, the United States, Canada, the UK, and even Australia, where there are Goulaine families with connections to their French counterparts. This diaspora is the result of centuries of immigration, with family members moving away from the main source of the name in Brittany.

Today, a large proportion of Goulaine families are still found in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany and Pays de la Loire. However, due to movement of families over the years, there are more dispersed populations across the world, who are all likely connected in some way to the original Goulaine family in Brittany.

Variations of the surname Goulaine

The surname Goulaine is of French origin, and is derived from the term goulain, which means a swallow. As such, variations and spellings of the surname may include Goulain, Goleain, Gouelain, Goleane, Gouelane, Gouelain, and Gouelayne.

As many surnames originated from the given name of one's father, many variations of Goulaine may also exist, depending on the various dialects and language styles used in various countries. For example, in France, one might find the name Gohelain, Gaudouin, or Gautelain, while in Germany the name may often be spelled Gohlian or Goehle. Other countries will have their own unique variations as well.

Individuals who have documentation of ancestral links to the surname may also sometimes find slight variations, depending on when and where the documents were written. Possible alternate spellings may include Goleine, Golin, Golyn, Golaynes, Gadwalin, and Gwoun.

Finally, many surnames that appear to be unrelated may be variations of the same name due to changes in spelling or other modifications over time. For example, surname forms such as Guillain, Guillaine, Gullin, Guilloux, and Glendale may all be variations of the name Goulaine. It is also clear that there are many surnames derived from Goulaine, such as Goulain-Ricard, Goulain de Montfort, Goulain de Boisgrollier, Goulaine de Bretagne, Goulaine de Chateauguay, and Gouelain de La Tour.

In conclusion, the surname Goulaine is a very ancient name, and as such, it is no surprise that there are many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Goulaine

• Mike Goulaine: actor who has appeared on numerous TV shows, including “The Big Bang Theory” and “Gilmore Girls”.
• Ronald Goulaine de La Grange: French novelist, journalist and author who wrote over fifty books.
• Charles-Daniel de Goulaine de Frankenstein: French aristocrat who served in the country's military and diplomatic corps.
• William Goulaine: British barrister and politician who served as solicitor-general and QC in the mid-19th century.
• Jean-Marc Goulaine: French entrepreneur and philanthropist who runs a successful carpentry business.
• Blandine Goulaine: Congolese politician and academic who is a Member of Parliament and a professor of medicine in Brazzaville.
• François Goulaine: French economist and political scientist who is professor of economics at the Aix-Marseille University.
• Jean-Baptiste Goulaine: French painter who works in both oil and acrylic, and has exhibited in several solo exhibitions.
• Hermine-Adelineende Goulaine d'Eckmühl: French painter who specialized in portraits and landscapes, and exhibited in various salons across the country.
• Gérard Goulaine: French sculptor who specializes in wood sculptures, and is known primarily for his work in public spaces.

Other surnames

GoulainGoulait

Comments or additions to the name "Goulaine"

19.04.2024
Gulenova is a family name typically used in Bulgaria