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Last names that start with G span countries and oceans, resembling branches on an enormous family tree. Globally, common names such as Graham, Green, and Garcia have ingrained themselves into national identities. Think back to a period when families were recognized by their occupations or places of residence. It is possible that the Gebbia family lived near a community well and the Greens were the family who resided beside the village green. Meanwhile, the Gardners took care of exquisite gardens and the Glass family were probably expert glaziers. Surnames like Graham resound in the undulating hills of Scotland, Green flourishes in the sleepy communities of Australia, and Garcia reverberates in the busy capitals of South America today. These surnames are a lovely remembrance of our common past, a hint of the travels our ancestors undertook, and the roots that bind us all together.
Key Pointers
- Last names starting with G are found in almost all languages and cultures.
- Surnames such as Garcia, Gomez, Gadot, and Gandhi are popular worldwide.
- Most of these last names are habitational and topographical, while some are occupational.
- Greek and Russian surnames starting with G are often patronymics.
Last Names That Start With G
G-last names have proliferated and multiplied to all countries and languages over the world. These last names are a few of the numerous ones and are listed according to their culture and language.
Mexican Last Names That Start With G
Mexican last names with G often have Spanish origins. However, they may take inspiration from Portuguese, Basque, Arabic, and Galician, too.
1. Galarraga
Galarraga is a topographic name with Basque origins. It means ‘kindling’ or ‘dead wood.’
2. Garibay
Pronounced as ga-REE-bie, this surname is the Castilianized form of Garibai and is considered habitational. Garibay is also used as a Basque and Hispanic surname.
3. Gazpar
Gazpar is the variant of Gaspar. These surnames are derived from the same given name and mean ‘treasurer’ in Hebrew.
4. Govea
Govea is the Spanish variant of Gouveia, a Portuguese habitational surname. It is also used as a last name in several Latin American countries.
5. Guereca
Guereca is a Mexican surname with Basque origins. It is the Castilianized form of Gereka and is similar to Huereca.
Discover more Mexican last names.
Hispanic Last Names That Start With G
Hispanic last names starting with G are often found in non-Hispanis countries such as Portugal and Basque, too. They are commonly used in South and Central America as well.
6. Geisslerra
Geisslerra is the Spanish version of Geißler and is used mainly in Cuba and Argentina. It is an occupational surname for a goat herder.
7. Gruezo
Gruezo has Catalan roots and means ‘thick.’ It may have originated as a nickname.
8. Guevarra
Guevarra is a habitational surname derived from the village of Gebara in Álava province, Spain. It is mainly used in the Philippines.
9. Guzman
Pronounced as ghooz-MAN or gooz-MAHN, this surname is derived from the town of Guzmán in Burgos province, Spain. It is used mainly in the US and the Philippines.
Italian Last Names Starting With G
Italian last names that start with G often have Latin origins. They are usually habitational or topographical names.
10. Gaetano
Gaetano is derived from the same given name. It is a habitational name meaning ‘from Caieta.’
11. Gagliardi
Gagliardi is derived from the Italian word gagliardo. It means ‘strong’ and ‘vigorous.’
12. Galli
Galli is a variant of Gallo and means ‘rooster.’ It is predominantly used in northern Italy.
13. Gallo
Gallo means ‘rooster’ and may have originated from a nickname for a proud person. It is also used as a Spanish surname.
14. Ganza
Ganza is probably derived from the feminine medieval first name Allegranza or Alleganza. These names are related to Allegra and mean ‘cheerful’ or ‘lively.’
15. Garau
Garau may be a variant of Gherardo, which means ‘hard spear.’ It could also have Basque roots and mean ‘grain’ or ‘wheat.’
16. Garfagnini
Garfagnini is a habitational name. It is derived from the region of Garfagnana in Tuscany.
17. Garofalo
Garofalo means ‘carnation.’ It was originally a nickname.
18. Garufi
Garufi could be related to the Germanic given name Garulf, which means ‘ready wolf.’ On the other hand, it could have Arabic roots and mean ‘hard’ and ‘cruel.’
19. Gaspari
Gaspari is derived from the first name Gaspare. It means ‘treasurer.’
20. Gatti
Gatti means ‘cat’ in Italian. It might be a nickname for an agile person.
21. Gattini
Gattini means ‘kitten’ or ‘little cat’ in Italian. A variant of this surname is Gattino.
22. Gavazzi
Gavazzi means ‘revelry,’ ‘merry-making,’ and ‘riot.’ Gavazza, Gavazzo, and Gavazenni are some variations of Gavazzi.
23. Gavino
Gavino is derived from the same first name. It is a habitational name derived from the ancient city of Gabii in central Italy.
24. Gebbia
Gebbia is a topographic name with Arabic origins. It means ‘cistern’ or ‘well.’
25. Gelsomino
Gelsomino means ‘jasmine’ in Italian. It could be a topographic name.
26. Gemino
Gemino is derived from the Latin word geminus, which means ‘twin.’ It is also used as a Filipino surname.
27. Genovese
Genovese is a habitational surname for a person from Genova or Genoa. It has Latin roots and possibly means ‘knee,’
28. Gentile
Gentile is a surname derived from a nickname. It means ‘gentle’ or ‘kind.’
29. Germano
Germano is derived from the same given name. It has Latin roots and means ‘brother.’
30. Giacconi
Giacconi is a variant of Giaccone, which itself comes from Giacomo. These surnames are the Italian variants of James and mean ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
31. Giannino
Giannino is another surname that is derived from the same first name. It ultimately originates from John, which means ‘God is gracious.’
32. Gilardi
Gilardi means ‘son of Gilardo’ and is related to the Germanic first name Gerard. This surname has several variants including Gilarde, Ghilardi, Gilardini, and Gilardo.
33. Gimondi
Gimondi is probably derived from the Germanic given name Gismund. It means ‘hostage protection.’
34. Giordano
Pronounced as jor-DA-no, this surname is derived from the same first name. These names are related to Jordan and mean ‘descend’ or ‘flow down.’
35. Giovanni
Derived from the same first name, Giovanni means ‘God is gracious.’ It has several variants including Gian, Gianni, Giannino, and Nino, among others.
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36. Giraldo
Giraldo is derived from the same first name and means ‘power of the spear.’ It is also used as a Spanish surname.
37. Goglia
Pronounced as GO-lya, this surname could be either a nickname or an occupational one. It was given to a person who used leaves to bind grafts.
38. Goretti
Goretti is derived from the first name Gregorio. It means ‘watchful’ and ‘alert.’
39. Grassi
Grassi is a variant of Grasso. It means ‘fat’ and was originally used as a nickname.
40. Guido
Derived from the same first name, Guido has Germanic origins. It means ‘wood.’
41. Gustavo
Gustavo is derived from the same given name. It means ‘staff of the Geats’ and is also a Spanish and Portuguese surname.
Discover more Italian last names.
Spanish Last Names That Start With G
Spanish last names that start with G have found a way into the international conscience because of their presence in Hollywood and American music. These last names often have Latin origins.
42. Gallardo
Gallardo means ‘gallant’ and ‘elegant’ in Spanish. It was originally a nickname.
43. García
Garcia is possibly derived from the Basque word hartz, which means ‘bear.’ It is one of the most common surnames in Spain. American actor Andy Garcia brought this surname into prominence in the US.
Did you know?44. Gabaldon
Gabaldon is a habitational name derived from the town of Gabaldón in Cuenca province. American author Diana Gabaldon is one of the most well-known people with this surname. She is known for writing the Outlander series of novels, which were later adapted into a television series.
45. Gabino
Gabino is derived from the same given name. It is a habitational name that refers to the ancient city of Gabii.
46. Gaitán
Gaitán is derived from the Spanish word gato, which means ‘cat.’ It may have been a nickname for an agile person.
47. Galicia
Galicia is a habitational and ethnic name for a person from the kingdom of Galicia. It is now a part of Spain.
48. Galindo
Galindo may be derived from the same first name. On the other hand, it could also be the name of an ancient Baltic tribe. the Galindians.
49. Gallegos
Gallegos is a habitational name derived from any of the several places with the same name. It has Spanish roots and means ‘Galician.’
50. Galo
Galo is derived from the same given name. It is related to Gallus, which means ‘rooster.’
51. Gálvez
Pronounced as GAL-beth, this surname is a habitational name. It is derived from the town of the same name in the Toledo province of Castile.
52. Garcés
Garcés means ‘son of García’ and could be related to the Medieval Spanish name Garsea. It is pronounced as gahr-THEHS.
53. Garrido
Garrido means ‘elegant’ and ‘ostentatious’ in Spanish. It was originally used as a nickname.
54. Garza
Garza is derived from the Spanish word garza, which means ‘heron.’ It is used both in Spain and Latin American countries.
55. Gascón
Gascón is a habitational surname for a person from Gascony. It is the Spanish variant of Gascoigne.
56. Gascueña
Gascueña is a habitational surname derived from the names of two towns in Manchego province. It is pronounced as gas-KWEHNYA.
57. Gastelo
Gastelo is the variant of Gaztelu. It has Basque origins and means ‘castle.’
58. Gat
Gat has Catalan roots and means ‘cat.’ It originated as a nickname.
59. Gerardo
Gerardo is derived from the same first name. It means ‘hard spear.’
60. Gerónimo
Gerónimo is derived from the same given name. It is related to Jerome and means ‘sacred name.’
61. Gilberto
Gilberto is derived from the same first name and means ‘bright pledge.’ It is also used as an Italian and Portuguese surname.
62. Giménez
Giménez is the variant of Jiménez and is derived from Simon. It has Hebrew roots and means ‘hearing’ or ‘listening.’
63. Gómez
Gómez is the Spanish form of Gomes. It means ‘man’ and has Gothic origins. Also written unaccented, it is the surname of Selena Gomez, American singer, songwriter, and actor. She is now considered to be one of the most popular singers across the world.
64. González
González means ‘son of Gonzalo’ and means ‘war salve’ or ‘war house.’ It is one of the most common Spanish surnames.
65. Grande
Grande was used as a nickname for a tall or large person. It is also used as an Italian and Portuguese surname. One of the most notable bearers of this name is singer and songwriter Ariana Grande. She is considered to be a pop icon across the world.
66. Grimaldo
Derived from the same given name, Grimaldo means ‘mask of power.’ It is also used as an Italian surname.
67. Guajardo
Guajardo is perhaps a habitational name from a place of the same name in Estremadura. It is used commonly in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.
68. Guevara
Guevara is the Hispanicized form of Gebara, which is a habitational name. It is also spelled as Guevarra. Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara was one of the most famous persons with this surname.
69. Guillermo
Guillermo is derived from the same first name. It is related to William and means ‘will helmet.’
Trivia70. Gutiérrez
Gutiérrez means ‘son of Gutierre.’ It has Germanic origins and means ‘power of the army.’
Discover more Spanish surnames.
German Last Names Starting With G
German last names that start with G are often occupational in nature. They could also be Americanized from the original spellings.
71. Gabler
Gabler is an occupational name for a person who made or sold forks. It has Old High German roots and means ‘fork.’
72. Gaertner
Gaertner is the German variant of Gardener. It is an occupational name for a gardener and may also be spelled as Gärtner.
73. Galishoff
Galishoff is an occupational name derived from the ancient Roman first name Gallus. It means ‘rooster house’ and was given to a person tending to poultry.
74. Gans
Gans means ‘goose.’ It is an occupational name for a person who herded geese.
75. Garber
Garber is a variant of Gerber. It is an occupational surname meaning ‘tanner’ or ‘leather dresser.’
76. Gartmann
Gartmann has Middle High German origins. It means ‘garden man’ and may refer to a gardener.
77. Gass
Gass is a topographic name for a person who lived on a street in a city. It is derived from the German word gasse.
78. Gayheart
Gayheart is the Americanized version of the German Gerhardt or the French Jolicoeur. Based on this derivation, Gayheart could either mean ‘brave spear’ or ‘joyful.’
79. Gehrig
Gehrig is the variant of Gehring. Also spelled as Gerig, this surname means ‘spear.’
80. Geiger
Geiger is an occupational name for a fiddle player. It has Old High German roots and means ‘fiddle,’
81. Geisberger
Geisberger is a habitational name. It is derived from the name of the town of Geisa in Germany.
82. Geiser
Geiser is an occupational name for a goatherd. It is derived from the Middle High German word geiz, which means ‘goat.’
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83. Geisinger
Geisinger is a topographical or habitational name derived from the Geisingberg mountain. It has Germanic origins and means ‘mountain that is poured over (with rainwater).’
84. Gensch
Gensch is derived from the same first name. It is a variant of John and means ‘God is gracious.’
85. Gerhard
Derived from the same given name, Gerhard is related to Gerard. It has Germanic origins and means ‘brave spear.’
86. Gerwig
Gerwig is derived from the same Germanic first name. It means ‘battle spear.’ It is also spelled as Gerbig, Gerwin, Garwig, and Gerwick. American filmmaker and actress Greta Gerwig is a famous person with this surname. She has been nominated for the Academy Awards for several movies such as Little Women and Barbie.
87. Giehl
Giehl is the German version of Giles. It means ‘young goat.’
88. Glas
Glas is the German and Dutch variant of Glass, which means ‘glass.’ It is an occupational name for a glass blower or glazier.
89. Goebbels
Goebbels is an occupational name for a brewer. It may be pronounced as either Go-belz or Ger-belz.
90. Gottlieb
Gottlieb is derived from the same given name. It has Germanic elements and means ‘dear god’ or ‘beloved god.’
91. Grammer
Grammer is a variant of Krämer and is an occupational name meaning ‘shopkeeper’ or ‘merchant.’ Alternatively, it could be a habitational surname for a person from places in Germany called Gram or Grammen.
92. Gruber
Gruber is derived from the German word grube, which means ‘pit.’ It is a surname given to a person living near or working in a pit. Gruber is also used as a Jewish surname.
93. Gunther
Gunther is derived from the first name Günther. It has Old German origins and means ‘war army.’
94. Gwerder
Gwerder means ‘agile’ and ‘alert.’ It is used as a Swiss German surname.
Discover more German last names.
French Last Names That Start With G
French last names that start with G are often used as English and German names, too. They may have Latin, Germanic, or Norman roots.
95. Gabin
Gabin is derived from the same given name. It has Latin roots and refers to the ancient city of Gabii in Italy.
96. Gage
Gage is an occupational surname derived from the Old French word jauge, which either means ‘measure’ or ‘pledge,’ It is also used as an English surname.
97. Gagne
Gagne is a variant of Gagneux and is derived from the Old French word gagnier, which means ‘to farm’ or ‘to cultivate.’ It is predominantly found in Quebec.
98. Gagnon
Gagnon is derived from the old French word gagnon, which means ‘guard dog.’ It was originally used as a nickname.
99. Galland
Galland was a nickname for a cheerful, high-spirited, or bold person and later transitioned into a surname. It is derived from the Old French word galant, which means ‘lively,’ ‘vivacious,’ ‘bold,’ and ‘valiant.’
100. Gambier
Gambier is derived from the word jambier, which means ‘greave’ or ‘a piece of armor that protects the leg.’ It is an occupational surname for a person who made or wore greaves.
101. Garçon
Pronounced as GAR-SAWN, this surname means ‘boy’ in French. Garçon is an occupational surname usually given to a person in service.
102. Gardinier
Gardinier is the French version of Gardener. It is an occupational surname.
103. Garnier
Garnier is derived from the same given name. It has Old German roots and means ‘cautious army.’ Incidentally, Garnier is also an English surname with a different meaning. In recent years, this surname is associated with the beauty and cosmetics brand. The founder of this brand is Alfred Amour Garnier.
104. Garson
Garson is an interesting surname with many meanings and origins. It could be the variant of the Scottish Carson or Corston, the French Garçon, the Spanish Garzon, the English Garston, or the Americanized version of the German Gerson.
105. Gaspard
Derived from the same first name, Gaspard is related to Jasper. It means ‘treasurer.’
106. Gaudin
Pronounced as Go-Dawn, this surname has Germanic origins. It means ‘rule power.’
107. Gauthier
Gauthier is another surname that is derived from a first name. It is the French form of Walter and means ‘power of the army.’
108. Gee
Gee is a habitational surname derived from several places named Gé or Gée. It is also an Irish, Scottish, and English surname.
109. Gentry
Gentry is derived from the English word and means ‘noble’ or ‘nobility.’ Other variants of Gentry include Gentil, Gentrie, and Genterise.
110. Gérard
Gérard is derived from the same French given name. It means ‘firm spear.’
111. Germain
Another surname derived from the same given name, Germain means ‘brother.’ It is spelled as Germano in Italian.
112. Géroux
Géroux is derived from the Germanic given name Gerulf. It means ‘spear wolf’ and may also be spelled as Giroux.
113. Giffard
Giffard could be derived from the French nickname gifart, which means ‘chubby.’ Alternatively, it could be derived from the Germanic first name Gebhard, which means ‘brave gift.’
114. Gobert
Gobert is derived from the same first name and is considered to be a shortened version of Godebert. It means ‘good and bright’ or ‘the famous god.’
115. Godard
Godard is related to the Germanic first name Godehard. It means ‘a brave god.’
116. Gosse
Pronounced as GAWS, this surname has Norman origins. It is derived from the same first name and means ‘the Geats.’
117. Grandpierre
Grandpierre is an interesting surname that is derived by combining the French word grand, which means ‘tall’ or ‘large,’ with the given name Pierre, which is a variant of Peter. Together, the name means ‘large rock.’
118. Granger
Granger is an occupational name. It is derived from the Old French word grangier and the Latin word granum and means ‘farm bailiff.’ In fiction, Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series bears this surname.
119. Grenier
Grenier could be an occupational or topographic name. It is derived from the Latin word granarius, which means ‘grain,’ and was given to a grain merchant or to a person who lived near a granary.
120. Gros
Gros originated as a nickname before transitioning into a last name. It means ‘thick,’ ‘fat,’ or ‘big,’ and could have Latin or Germanic origins.
121. Guerrier
Guerrier means ‘warrior’ and could be an occupational name for a soldier. Alternatively, it could also be a nickname for a quarrelsome person.
122. Guichard
Guichard is related to the same Medieval French first name and the Germanic given name Wighard. It means ‘brave in battle.’
123. Guillaume
Both the last name and the first name Guillaume are derived from the English name William. It has Germanic origins and means ‘will helmet.’
124. Guillory
Guillory is derived from the Old German given name Williric. It means ‘will of the king.’
Discover more French last names.
Irish Surnames Beginning With G
Irish surnames that start with G are often derived by Anglicizing Irish names. These names are often patronymics.
125. Gall
Gall has Celtic origins and means ‘foreigner’ or ‘stranger.’ It is also used as a Scottish, English, and Spanish surname.
126. Gallagher
Gallagher is a common Irish surname that is considered to be an Anglicized version of Ó Gallchobhair. It means ‘desirable stranger’ and translates to ‘descendent of Gallchobhar.’
127. Galligan
Galligan has Gaelic roots and is the Anglicized form of Ó Gealagáin, which means ‘descendant of Gealagán.’ It means ‘bright white.’
128. Gallivan
Gallivan is the Anglicized version of Ó Gealbháin, which comes from O’Galvin. It means ‘bright and fair.’
129. Gallogly
Gallogly is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac An Ghalloglaigh. It means ‘foreign warrior.’
130. Geoghegan
Geoghegan is the Anglicized version of Mag Eochagáin. It means ‘horseman.’
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131. Gerahty
Gerahty is the Anglicized form of Mag Oireachtaigh, which means ‘son of Oireachtach.’ It has Gaelic roots and means ‘member of the assembly.’
132. Getty
Getty means ‘hill’ or ‘valley.’ It is also spelled as Geddy. The Getty family is one of the most influential families in the US. J. Paul Getty was the founder of the Getty Oil Company in 1942. Meanwhile, his grandson, Mark Getty is the founder of Getty Images.
133. Gillan
Spelled variously as Gilleland, Gillieland, and Gilsland, this surname is the Anglicized version of Mac Gille Fhaoláin. It has Irish Gaelic roots and means ‘son of the servant of St Faolán.’
134. Gillespie
Gillespie is an occupational surname that is used in both Ireland and Scotland. It means ‘servant of the bishop.’
135. Gillicuddy
Gillicuddy means ‘descendent of a sea warrior.’ It can also be spelled as Gillycuddy or mac Giolla Mhochudha in Irish.
Trivia136. Gilmore
Gilmore is an Irish and English surname with multiple meanings. It could mean ‘servant of the Virgin Mary’ or ‘son of the spirited lad.’ The American comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls catapulted this surname into popularity.
137. Gilpatrick
A variant of Kilpatrick, this surname has Irish origins. It means ‘son of the servant of Saint Patrick.’
138. Gilroy
Gilroy could be the Anglicized form of either Mac Giolla Ruaidh or Mac Giolla Rí. The meaning of these surnames are ‘son of the red-haired servant’ and ‘son of the king’s servant’ respectively.
139. Gorman
Gorman means ‘little blue one.’ It is also used as a German surname.
140. Gough
Gough is the Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic Mag Eochadha, which means ‘son of Eochaidh.’ It means ‘horseman.’ Gough is also used as a Welsh surname.
141. Grady
Grady means ‘noble’ and ‘illustrious.’ It has Gaelic roots.
142. Guinness
Guinness is a variant of McGuinness and means ‘son of Aonghus,’ which in turn, means ‘one strength.’ It has several other spellings such as Angus, MacGinnis, and MacGuinness. In recent years, the Guinness beer company has made this surname a household name. The company was founded by Arthur Guinness of Ireland in 1759. The Guinness Book of Records or Guinness World Records is another instance where this surname is famously used.
143. Guthrie
As an Irish surname, Guthrie means ‘prince.’ It is also used as a Scottish habitational surname.
Discover more Irish last names.
Jewish Last Names Starting With G
Jewish last names that start with G include Ashkenazi and Sephardic surnames. Depending on the location, these last names may have Hebrew, Yiddish, or German origins.
144. Gaber
Gaber is derived from the Jewish surname Haber, which is an occupational name for an oats farmer or merchant. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the German Gabrijel, which comes from Gabriel and means ‘God is my strong man.’
145. Gai
Derived from the same Hebrew given name, Gai means ‘valley’ or ‘ravine.’ It is a toponymic and may also be spelled as Guy.
146. Gal
Gal is a modern Hebrew surname which is derived from the same given name. It means ‘wave.’
147. Galante
Galante has origins in Old French and means ‘one who has fun.’ It is also an Italian and French surname.
148. Galanty
Galanty was originally used as a nickname before transitioning into a surname. It is possibly derived from the Italian surname Galantuomo, which means ‘gentleman.’
149. Galit
Galit is derived from the first name Galit, which is a variant of Gal and means ‘wave.’ Incidentally, Galit is also used as a Filipino surname.
150. Garfunkel
Garfunkel is an enigmatic surname meaning ‘carbuncle’ in Yiddish and has German roots. Carbuncle is an archaic word used to describe red gemstones such as garnet. Art Garfunkel is one of the most well-known personalities with this surname. He is an American singer and actor, known for his partnership with Paul Simon. The pair, called Simon & Garfunkel, was a folk rock duo who released several hits including The Sound of Silence and The Boxer. They also won seven Grammy Awards and four Grammy Hall of Fame Awards.
151. Geller
Geller is derived from the German word gellen, which means ‘to yell.’ Alternatively, it may originate from the Yiddish word gel, which means ‘yellow.’ One of the most well-known fictional characters with this surname is Ross Geller in the sitcom Friends. His sister Monica Geller is also a prominent character in the series.
152. Gideon
Also used as a Nigerian, Scottish, and English surname, Gideon is derived from the same first name. It means ‘feller’ or ‘hewer’ in Hebrew.
153. Gil
Gil is derived from the same first name and means ‘joy’ and ‘happiness.’ It is also used as a Spanish and Portuguese surname.
154. Gildner
Gildner is an occupational name for a person who works with gold. It is derived from the Yiddish word gildner, which means ‘golden.’
155. Gingold
Gingold is an invented surname meaning ‘fine gold’ in Yiddish. Hermione Gingold was a British actress with this surname. She was known for her deep voice.
156. Ginsberg
A variant of Ginsburg, this surname is a habitational one. It is given to a person from Gunzberg in Bavaria or other similarly-named places.
157. Glauber
Initially given to a person who kept the faith or someone who was wise, Glauber has German roots. It means ‘to believe.’
158. Gogol
Gogol is a last name that means ‘common goldeneye,’ which is a type of duck. It is also used as an Ukrainian and Polish surname. 19th-century Russian novelist and playwright Nikolai Gogol is a famous bearer of this name.
159. Goldenberg
Goldenberg means ‘golden mountain.’ It is also written as Goldberg, Goldbergh, and Goldberge.
160. Goldfeder
An ornamental surname, Goldfeder has Old High German roots. It means ‘gold feather pen’ and is also written as Goldfeather.
161. Goldfinger
Originally used as a nickname, Goldfinger means ‘gold finger.’ It was used for a person who wore a gold ring.
162. Goldstein
A Jewish surname with German roots, Goldstein means ‘gold stone.’ It is popular among Ashkenazi Jews. Some famous personalities with this surname include Adam Goldstein, musician and DJ better known as DJ AM, Brett Goldstein, British actor and comedian, and Harvey Goldstein, American bass guitarist better known as Harvey Brooks.
Did you know?163. Greenberg
Greenberg is the Anglicized version of Grünberg and has German roots. It means ‘green mountain’ and is a topographical name.
164. Grünspan
Grünspan means ‘verdigris.’ It could have been used as a nickname.
165. Gut
A feel-good surname, Gut means ‘good.’ It is derived from Yiddish.
Discover more Jewish last names.
Japanese Last Names That Start With G
Japanese last names starting with G are few and are rarely used. These surnames usually have different meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write them.
166. Ganaha
Derived from the Japanese characters ga, na, and ha, this surname has multiple meanings. It could mean ‘selfish,’ ‘what,’ and ‘supremacy.’
167. Gato
Gato is a variant of Goto and means ‘behind the wisteria.’ It is also used as a Spanish surname.
168. Genda
Pronounced as GEHN-DA, this surname means ‘origin,’ ‘source,’ and ‘field.’ It may also refer to ‘rice paddy.’
169. Gonda
Another topographic name, Gonda means ‘right field.’ It is given to a person who lives to the right of a rice field.
170. Gunji
Pronounced as GOON-ZHEE, this surname is an occupational surname. It means ‘district officer’ or ‘county official.’
171. Gushiken
Gushiken is a surname derived from a nickname. It means ‘strong-willed.’
172. Gushima
Another toponymic, Gushima means ‘tool island.’ It could also refer to ‘peak.’
Discover more Japanese last names.
Greek Last Names Starting With G
Greek last names starting with G have several influences. While they often have Greek origins, they may also refer to the Bible.
173. Gabras
Gabras is a variant of Gabriel. It is also the name of a prominent Byzantine family.
174. Gaitanos
Also written as Gaitanis, this surname means ‘who come from the cave or port.’ It is a habitational name for a person from Gaeta.
175. Gavriil
Derived from the same Greek first name, Gavriil is a variant of Gabriel. This name is associated with the Bible and means ‘God is my strong man.’
176. Gemistos
Also written as Gemistus, this surname means ‘full’ or ‘laden’ in Greek. Georgios Gemistos Plethon was a Greek scholar who was considered to be one of the most prominent philosophers of the Byzantine period.
177. Georgiou
Georgiou means ‘son of Georgios’ and is a form of George. It is used mainly in Cyprus.
178. Giannopoulos
A possessive surname meaning ‘son of Giannis,’ Giannopoulos is related to John. It means ‘God is gracious.’
179. Giorgaina
Another possessive surname, Giorgaina means ‘wife of Georgios.’ It was used in early modern Greece, though was later discontinued as a woman does not change her surname after marriage now.
180. Grigoriadis
Pronounced as ghree-gho-ree-A-dhees, this surname means ‘son of Grigorios.’ It is a form of Gregory and means ‘watchful.’
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English Last Names That Start With G
English last names starting with G take inspiration from several languages including Latin, German, Hebrew, and French. They can be habitational, topographical, or occupational.
181. Gabriel
Gabriel is a Biblical name that is commonly used as a surname. It means ‘God is my strong man’ and is used as a surname in other languages such as Welsh, Scottish, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish, too.
182. Gadbury
Gadbury is a habitational name derived from Cadborough or Gateborough. It means ‘goat hill.’
183. Galilei
Galilei was a surname given to a person who lived near a small chapel. It is associated with the 17th-century Italian astronomer and physicist Galileo Galilei, who is considered to be the father of observational astronomy and modern physics (2).
184. Gambon
Gambon is an English and Irish surname meaning ‘ham.’ It has Anglo-Norman French origins and can be spelled as Gammon, Gambone, Gammon, and Gamboun, too. Irish-English actor Sir Michael Gambon was a notable bearer of this name. Over a six-decade-long career in movies, TV, and theater, he won several awards for his performances and also a CBE. He got worldwide recognition after appearing as Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series.
185. Garbutt
Derived from the given name Gerbold, Garbutt means ‘brave spear.’ It is also written as Gorbold.
186. Garfield
Garfield means ‘triangle field’ in Old English. Some famous people with this surname include James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the US, and Andrew Garfield, British-American actor. Moreover, the comic strip featuring an orange cat named Garfield has made this surname more popular all over the world.
187. Garnett
Garnett is an occupational name for a person who made hinges. It has Old French roots and means ‘hinge.’
188. Gaskill
Also written as Gaitskell, Gaskell, and Gaitskill, this surname means ‘goat shelter,’ It is a topographic name.
189. Gay
Gay could be derived from a nickname for a lighthearted person. Alternatively, it could be a habitational name.
190. Gervais
Gervais is derived from the same French given name and is a variant of Jarvis. It means ‘old spear.’ English comedian and actor Ricky Gervais carries this surname.
191. Gilbert
Gilbert is derived from the same first name. It means ‘bright pledge.’
192. Gillingham
A topographic surname, Gillingham means ‘homestead.’ It is taken from places so named in Dorset, Norfolk, and Kent.
193. Gloucester
Also written as Gloster, Gloucester, and Glocester, this surname is derived from the city of the same name. It means ‘bright Roman fort.’
194. Gore
Gore has Old English roots and means ‘triangular plot of land.’ It is a toponymic. One of the most well-known people with this name was US vice president Al Gore. He served as the 45th vice president from 1993 to 2001.
195. Goshawk
Goshawk is possibly an occupational surname. It means ‘breeder of owls’ or ‘owl tamer.’
196. Grover
Grover has Old English origins. It is a topographical name meaning ‘grove of trees.’
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American Last Names That Start With G
American last names starting with G may have English origins. However, they are often changed versions of surnames in other languages.
197. Gaetz
Gaetz is the Americanized version of Gatz. It is a German habitational surname.
198. Gardlin
Gardlin is the Americanized form of the German surname Gerding. It could be an occupational name for a gardener.
199. Gattling
Gattling is a variant of Gatling, which in turn comes from Gatlin. It means ‘companion’ or ‘rogue.’
200. Gearhart
Gearheart is a variant of Gerhardt. It means ‘brave spear.’
201. Giselman
A variant of Geiselman, this surname means ‘pledge or hostage noble offspring.’ It is also used as a German surname.
202. Glasgow
Derived from the city of the same name in Scotland, Glasgow is used as a surname both in the US and the UK. It means ‘blue field.’
203. Graybill
Graybill is the Americanized or Anglicized version of the Swiss German surname Krähenbühl. It means ‘crow hill.’
204. Grumpy
Originally used as a nickname, Grumpy is given to a person who walks slowly. It has Germanic origins.
Discover more American last names.
Russian Last Names That Start With G
Russian last names starting with G may be habitational or occupational. They are also used as Ukrainian and Belarusian surnames, too.
205. Gagarin
Gagarin is derived from the Russian word gagara, which means ‘loon,’ a waterbird. Its feminine counterpart is Gagarina. The Gagarin family of Russia is a princely family, known as the descendants of Starodub-on-the-Klyazma. Another notable personality with this name is Yuri Gagarin. He was a Russian cosmonaut, known as the first human to travel in space.
206. Galkin
Also written as Galkina, this surname is derived from the Russian word galka. It means ‘jackdaw.’
207. Gamburger
Gamburger is the Russian variant of Hamburger. It is a habitational name for a person from Hamburg.
208. Gennadiev
Meaning ‘son of Gennadi’ in Russian, this surname is related to the Ancient Greek name Gennadius. It means ‘noble.’
209. Glebov
Glebov means ‘son of Gleb.’ It has Old Norse origins and means ‘legacy of god.’
210. Golovsky
Also used as a Belarusian surname, Golovsky is an occupational name. It means ‘head’ or ‘chief.’
211. Gorbachev
Gorbachev was originally a nickname and means ‘hunchback’ or ‘humpback.’ It is also spelled as Gorbacheva, Gorbachyov, and Gorbachov. One of the most well-known people with this name was Mikhail Gorbachev. He was the last leader of the Soviet Union.
212. Gorsky
A variant of Gorski, this surname is also used in Poland. It is a habitational name meaning ‘hill’ or ‘mountain.’
213. Grushkin
Spelled variously as Hrooshkin, Grooshkin, and Hrushkin, this surname is a toponymic. It means ‘pear tree,’
214. Gusev
Gusev is derived from the Russian word gus, which means ‘goose.’ Its feminine counterpart is Guseva.
215. Gutnik
Interestingly, Gutnik has Yiddish roots and means ‘glassworker.’ It is also an Ukrainian surname.
Discover more Russian last names.
Rare Last Names Starting With G
Though rare, these last names starting with G have made a mark in the world. They are found in different languages.
216. Ga
Ga is a rare Japanese surname and can be considered to be a variant of Nani. It means ‘what.’
217. Gabrieloglou
A rare Greek surname, Gabrieloglou is a variant of Gavriiloglou. It is related to Gabriel and means ‘God is my strong man.’
218. Gamiz
Gamiz is a rare American surname. It is considered to be a variant of Gamez or Gomez.
219. Garan
Written variously as Karan and Tokiai, Garan is a rare Japanese surname. It means ‘add,’ ‘view,’ ‘buddhist temple,’ and ‘indigo.’ Incidentally, Garan is also used as an Irish, English and American surname.
Image: Momjunction Design Team
220. Garnica
Garnica is a habitational name that means ‘one who hails from Guernica.’ It could have Basque origins, too.
221. Garrood
A variant of Garrett, this surname is a rare surname in both English and Manx. It has Germanic origins and means ‘power of the spear.’
222. Gasper
Gasper is a rare American surname that is a variant of Jasper. It means ‘treasurer.’
223. Gatsby
Gatsby is a rare variant of Gadsby, which is an English habitational surname. It is a well-known surname in literary circles as it was borne by Jay Gatsby in the book The Great Gatsby.
224. Gaty
Gaty is a rare French surname that may have German roots. It means ‘companion.’
225. Gittes
Gittes is an American variant of Gitten and subsequently comes from Getting. It means ‘dusky’ or ‘swarthy.’
226. Goda
Another rare Japanese surname, Goda means ‘connected to the rice paddy.’ It is also written as Gōda or Gouda.
227. Gojūri
Gojūri is a variant of Ikari, another Japanese surname. It is a habitational surname.
228. Gonzague
A rare French surname, Gonzague is a variant of the Italian Gonzaga. It is a habitational name.
229. Goulter
Also spelled as Galter and Gaulter, this surname is considered rare in English. It means ‘mighty army.’
230. Goya
Another rare Japanese surname, Goya is a toponymic. It means ‘barbarian room’ or ‘give room.’
231. Grandin
Grandin is a rare English surname that is a variant of Crandon. It is also a French and Italian surname.
232. Gregorio
Gregorio is derived from the same given name. It means ‘watchful’ or ‘alert.’
233. Güero
Guero could be derived from a nickname for a person with light features or it could be a variant of Agüero. It is also spelled as Huero or Wero.
234. Gumma
Gumma is a rare Japanese surname and is pronounced as GOON-MA. It is a habitational surname.
235. Gump
Gump possibly has German roots and means ‘to hop’ or ‘to jump.’ Though it is a rare surname, it has high literary value. In the novel, Forrest Gump, the protagonist had this name. It was later adapted into a movie with Tom Hanks in the lead role.
Famous Last Names That Start With G
Famous last names that start with G include some of the most distinguished names all over the globe. Many well-known individuals with last names starting with G have made their mark in entertainment, sports, and politics. This section features some of these influential figures and their contributions.
236. Gable
Gable is possibly a habitational name that has Old Norse origins. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the German and Jewish surname Gabel. Clark Gable, American film actor, was a famous celebrity with this name. He is known as the King of Hollywood and has starred in more than 60 movies of different genres.
237. Gadot
Gadot means ‘riverbank’ in Hebrew. Israeli actress Gal Gadot is one of the most famous bearers of this surname.
238. Galifianakis
A Greek surname pronounced as gal-ə-fə-NAK-is, this last name is a habitational one. It is derived from a village in Episkopi in Crete and means ‘flatterer.’ American actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis is a famous person with this surname.
239. Gandhi
Gandhi is an Indian surname used in several languages including Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi. It has Sanskrit roots and means ‘perfumer’ or ‘perfume seller.’ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer and civil rights activist. He was known for his non-violent protests against British colonial rule.
240. Garbo
Originally a nickname, Garbo means ‘politeness’ in Italian. The Swedish actress Greta Garbo was a notable bearer of this surname. She is considered to be one of the greatest actresses of all time and ranks fifth among the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema.
241. Gardner
Gardner is a variant of Gardener and is an occupational name. American actress Ava Gardner catapulted this surname into the limelight. She appeared in several successful movies such as Mogambo and The Night of the Iguana.
242. Garland
Garland is a topographical name and means ‘triangle land’ in Old English.’ A famous bearer of this surname was American actress and singer Judy Garland. She was known for starring in several well-known movies such as The Wizard of Oz and Easter Parade. She also received several awards for her performances.
243. Gates
Gates is a toponymic given to a person who lives near the town gates. Microsoft founder Bill Gates is a famous personality with this name. He is also a philanthropist and writer.
244. Gleeson
A variant of Gleason, Gleeson is an Irish surname. It means ‘green,’ ‘blue,’ or gray.’ Brendan Gleeson is a renowned Irish actor and filmmaker. He is known for his roles in Braveheart, The Banshees of Inisherin, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
245. Glover
Glover is an occupational name given to a person who made or sold gloves. Donald Glover is a notable bearer of this name. Also known as Childish Gambino, he has dabbled in several fields including acting, comedy, singing and rapping, and direction.
246. Goldberg
Goldberg has German origins and means ‘gold mountain.’ It is also used as a Jewish and Danish surname and has several variants in different countries including Austria and Scotland. American actor, comedian, and TV personality Whoopi Goldberg is one of the most famous personalities with this name. She is known for winning several prestigious awards such as the Grammy and the Academy for her performances.
247. Goldblum
Goldblum is an Ashkenazi Jewish surname that means ‘gold flower.’ Jeff Goldblum is a popular actor and musician, known for his appearances in some hit movies such as Jurassic Park and Independence Day.
248. Gosling
Gosling could have several meanings. It could be a variant of Jocelyn, a nickname meaning ‘young goose,’ or a Germanic name meaning ‘good.’ Canadian actor Ryan Gosling is a celebrity with this surname. He is known for appearing in several successful movies such as La La Land and Barbie.
249. Graf
Graf is an occupational name that means ‘count’ or ‘scribe.’ One of the most well-known people with this name is German tennis player Steffi Graf. She is the first tennis player to win the Golden Slam and also the Olympic gold medal in the same year. She is also known as the only tennis player to win all the major singles tournaments at least four times and is considered the greatest female tennis player of the 20th century.
250. Grant
An English and Scottish surname, Grant has Norman French roots. It means ‘grand,’ ‘tall,’ ‘large,’ or ‘great.’ Hugh Grant is an English actor with this surname. He is known for starring in popular movies such as Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Another well-known actor with the same surname was Cary Grant. He was an English-American actor, known for his roles in North by Northwest and To Catch a Thief.
251. Green
Green could be derived both from a nickname and a location. It could be given to a person with green eyes or someone who often wore green clothes. Alternatively, it could be a person who lived near the village green French actress Eva Green popularized this surname. She has appeared in several Hollywood movies including Kingdom of Heaven and Casino Royale.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there famous individuals with last names that start with G?
Yes, there are several famous people with last names that start with G. Some of them include actors Jeff Goldblum, Cary Grant, Eva Green, Ryan Gosling, and tennis player Steffi Graf.
2. Can a last name starting with ‘G’ have multiple origins?
Yes, surnames starting with G may have multiple origins and meanings. For instance, the Jewish surname Gaber has both Germanic and Hebrew origins. Depending on the origin, the meaning of the surname may also change.
The next time you hear a last name that starts with G such as Gonzalez or Gandhi, remember their stories and the pasts associated with them. These surnames carry the essence of their occupations, locations, and families. They are also associated with some ancient languages now found only in the deepest recesses of the world. Most often, these surnames are also a way to establish your lineage. Every last name starting with G has its own fascinating story. Once you start following these stories, you might be surprised by the threads it unravels.
Infographic: 8 Well-known Surnames Starting With G
Last names starting with G have found a way into almost all countries, languages, and cultures. Some of them have found worldwide success because the bearers of these surnames have achieved excellence in their fields. Take a look at this infographic for some popular last names that start with G.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Hello my name is…
https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2016/comm/cb16-tps154_surnames_top15.html - Galileo Galilei.
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/galileo/
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