Gösta

Gösta is a masculine given name used primarily in Sweden and, to some extent, in other Nordic countries. It is commonly considered a diminutive or variant of Gustav, though it has been established as an independent given name since the 19th century. The name is typically written with an umlaut over the o in Swedish and is associated with older generations in contemporary usage.

In cultural terms, Gösta Berling is a well-known literary figure from Selma Lagerlöf’s novel Gösta Berlings Saga, published in 1891. The work is significant in Swedish literature and inspired a 1924 silent film adaptation directed by Mauritz Stiller, which helped embed the name in Swedish cultural memory.

Variations of the name include Gustaf, Gustav, and Göte, with Gösta sometimes used as a standalone name in its own right or as a nickname. In practice, Gösta remains a distinctly Nordic name with its strongest historical and cultural associations in Sweden, where it has appeared most prominently in earlier generations and in literary and film traditions linked to Gösta Berling.