Gotthold

The name Gotthold represents a modern variant of the traditional Germanic name Gottwald. It is composed of the Old High German elements got, meaning 'God', and waltan, meaning 'to rule' or 'to reign', and can be interpreted as 'the divine ruler'. In the Pietism era of the 17th century, Gotthold also acquired the meaning 'may God be gracious!', reflecting the pious wish of the parents for their child.

What does the name Gotthold mean?

Gotthold is a contemporary name that derives from the ancient Germanic Gottwald. It is composed of the Old High German words got for 'God' and waltan for 'to rule, to reign', thus meaning 'the divine ruler'. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Gotthold was also interpreted as an expression of the parents' wish that their child may be favored by God. An older name with a similar meaning is Gottgetreu.

Where does the name Gotthold come from?

The name Gotthold has Old High German roots and means 'the divine ruler' or 'may God be gracious!'.

How do you pronounce Gotthold?

The pronunciation of Gotthold is 'Gott-hold' [ˈɡɔthɔlt]. The beginning sounds deep and compact, underscored by a short o sound. The second syllable, also with a dark o, enhances the sound, while the final d, often articulated like a t, provides a clear structure. This gives Gotthold a closed and serious note – powerful at the base and dignified in the aftersound.

Popularity

In Germany, Gotthold is among the less common first names. In 2013, it ranked 3,619th on the list of the most common male first names. Between 2010 and 2024, Gotthold was given less than ten times in Germany, placing it at 9,082nd. In the last ten years, no child has received this name. Worldwide, there is no significant frequency for Gotthold. The rankings in first name charts of various countries are also low.

Nicknames & pet names

Gotti / Grottenolm / Holdi / Unhold

Famous people

• Charles Gotthold Reichel (German bishop)
• Christian Gotthold Hoffmann (scientist from Germany)
• Christlieb Gotthold Hottinger (German writer)
• Ernst Gotthold Struve (German physician)
• Friedrich Gotthold Kunze (German writer)
• Gotthold Eisenstein (German mathematician)
• Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (author)
• Gotthold Gloger (German artist)
• Gotthold Herxheimer (German physician)
• Gotthold Maximilian Woldemar Peiper (theologian from Germany)
• Gotthold Pannwitz (German physician)
• Gotthold Rhode (German historian)
• Gotthold Schneider (German designer)
• Gotthold Schwartz (opera singer from Germany)
• Gotthold Schwarz (singer from Germany)
• Gotthold Stettner (German geologist)
• Heinrich Gotthold Arnold (artist from Germany)
• Samuel Gotthold Lange (German poet)
• Theodor Gotthold Thienemann (theologian from the USA)