Origin & Meaning of the Goldsmith Surname
What does the last name Goldsmith mean?
The surname Goldsmith carries the meaning "Gold." It is derived from the Yiddish/German language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 16,346 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Goldsmith ranks as the #2,229 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Goldsmith come from?
The Goldsmith surname has its roots in Jewish/German heritage. Names of Jewish/German origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Goldsmith name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Goldsmith trace back to Yiddish/German. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Goldsmith |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Gold |
| Origin | Jewish/German |
| Language | Yiddish/German |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,229 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,346 |
| Per 100K People | 5.54 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Goldsmith
According to the US Census, the Goldsmith surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,346 Americans with the Goldsmith last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.0% |
| Black | 16.29% |
| Hispanic | 2.12% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.31% |
| Two or More Races | 1.74% |
Popularity of Goldsmith Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Goldsmith surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Goldsmith surname increased by 108 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Jewish/German Surnames
Explore more surnames with Jewish/German roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Jewish/German origin as Goldsmith.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldsmith
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