Goudas

Goudas is a surname of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek noun "gold," reflecting the Greek word for gold, “χρυσός.” The name is traditionally found in regions of Greece with a long history of maritime trade, particularly in the Aegean Sea islands and coastal cities such as Thessaloniki and Patras. It is considered a patronymic surname, indicating descent from an ancestor known for wealth or a profession involving precious metals.

The surname has spread beyond Greece, especially to countries with significant Greek diaspora populations, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany. Dutch records from the 17th century show early instances of the name among sailors who migrated to the Dutch colonies. In the United States, the name appears frequently in immigration records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with Greek immigrants arriving via New York and Philadelphia.

Notable individuals bearing the name include Charilaos Goudas (1905–1978), a prominent Greek politician who served as Minister of Education in the 1950s; Efstathios Goudas (born 1952), a celebrated Greek classical pianist known for his interpretations of contemporary compositions; and Maria Goudas (born 1995), a Canadian athlete who made history as the first Canadian of Greek descent to qualify for the Olympic marathon. The name continues to appear in various professional fields such as academia, the arts, and sports, underscoring its continued cultural relevance.