Surname Gohel - Meaning and Origin

Gohel: What does the surname Gohel mean?

Gohel is an Indian surname, predominantly found among the Saurashtra region of Gujarat in India. The Gohel surname has a notable history and is associated with ancestry, lineage, bravery, and leadership. The name is a variant of the term "Gohil" and is specifically recognized as a title used by a Rajput clan. The term 'Go' symbolically refers to "cow" and 'hil' or 'hel' means "to protect". Hence, 'Gohil' or 'Gohel' fundamentally signifies "protector of cows," showcasing their valor and duty as warriors towards protecting their resources. Traditions and records indicate that individuals with the Gohel surname mostly belong to the social and warrior class, known for their royal connection and nobility in the past. Today, individuals with the last name Gohel can be found in various professions and sectors, contributing to the rich diversity of contemporary Indian society. However, it should be understood that meanings and associations of surnames can vary based on regional, cultural, and familial interpretations.

Gohel: Where does the name Gohel come from?

The surname Gohel originates from the Indian state of Gujarat, and it is specifically associated with the Hindu and Jain communities. The name Gohel comes from the Gujarati term “gohil”, which means “protector of cows”, emphasizing the traditional reverence for cows in Indian culture. Historically, the Gohels were known as landlords and warriors, with some even ascending to the status of rulers and the ruling class of Saurashtra, a region in Gujarat.

The surname continues to be common in India, particularly in Gujarat, but has also spread globally with the Indian diaspora. Thus, it can be found among Indian communities residing in many parts of the world such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Thanks to migration and the increasing global presence of Indians, the last name Gohel is dispersed widely apart from its roots but relatively, it is still significantly more common in its place of origin.

Variations of the surname Gohel

The surname Gohel is a patronymic surname which often used among Gujarati Hindus and Jains. Variants of this surname can include Goel and Goyal which are common among the Marwari community in the state of Rajasthan. Although it is less common, the surname has also been found spelled as Goheel, Gohill, and Gohil, especially in communities outside of India.

In addition to this, Gohel may also be divided into several clans known as vansh in Gujarati. These clans share the same origin and ancestry but may use different surnames derived from the original Gohel surname. Examples include Bhavnagari and Sisodia, both noted Rajput clans that share the Gohel ancestry.

With migration to English-speaking countries, different spelling and phonetic interpretations have led to variations such as Ghel, Goele, and Goehl. This is often to preserve the original pronunciation of the surname. These variations can all be traced back to the original Gohel surname. They serve as reflections of the diverse cultures and regions from which Gohel families may descend.

Famous people with the name Gohel

• Saba Gohel: Indian cricketer
• Mohammed Kaif Gohel: Indian cricketer and coach
• Aamir Gohel: Indian singer and pianist
• Mubashir Gohel: British accountant and entrepreneur
• Varun Gohel: Indian actor
• Vishal Gohel: Gujarati actor and director
• Vrajesh Gohel: Indian professional squash player
• Rajesh Gohel: Indian National Award-winning cinematographer
• Deep Gohel: Indian educationist and bureaucrat
• Farishteh Gohel: British-Iranian film producer

Other surnames

GoheenGohen