Gotwald

Gotwald is a surname of German origin, with historical roots primarily in Germany and regions influenced by German migration. The name is believed to derive from personal names or geographic features, although its exact etymology remains uncertain. Variants of the surname include Gotwaldt and Gotvaldt, reflecting regional and linguistic differences.

Individuals bearing the Gotwald name have been notable in various fields, particularly in the United States, where descendants of German immigrants established communities and contributed to local histories. Notable persons include William J. Gotwald, an American military officer, and others involved in business, academia, and civic service.

The surname is relatively uncommon today, with most instances concentrated in North America and Germany. Genealogical research suggests that families with the Gotwald surname often settled in Midwestern states, where they participated in agricultural and industrial development.

The Gotwald name is associated with a rich cultural heritage rooted in German-American history, reflecting broader patterns of migration, settlement, and adaptation. Today, it remains a marker of familial history and cultural identity for those who carry it.

Because of its rarity, the Gotwald surname has limited representation in historical records and public databases. However, it continues to be of interest to genealogists and cultural historians studying German diaspora and migration patterns.