Surname Guilder - Meaning and Origin

Guilder: What does the surname Guilder mean?

The last name Guilder is a name of German origin and is derived from the word ‘gilder’ which means ‘to pay’. This suggests that someone bearing the Guilder name was likely involved in some kind of trade or finance, likely the former. It is also thought that the name may have evolved from the Old German word ‘Gild’ meaning gold or silver coins. This suggests that the Medieval Guilder family were likely money lenders and traders.

During the Middle Ages, the Guilder family was closely associated with the guilds of the Hanseatic League; an economic and defensive alliance of trading cities in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages and early modern period. As such, the Guilder family was likely to have enjoyed a certain degree of influence within the alliance, as well as a strong reputation for economic prowess.

The Guilder name was not overly popular during Medieval or Early Modern times, but the family it represented gained notoriety and respect for their involvement in trade and finance. They were recognised for their efforts in providing German trading cities with the economic infrastructure needed to help them prosper. Thus, the Guilder name stands for a family of economic achievers, representing determination and talent in mercantile and financial matters.

Guilder: Where does the name Guilder come from?

The last name Guilder is a common family name in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. It is a centuries-old surname originating in the Germanic language. In Germany, the name Guilder is especially common in the east, particularly in Hesse, where records indicate the name was used as early as 1292.

The Guilder surname is also found in other European countries, such as Austria, France, and the Czech Republic. In the United States, the Guilder name is less common, although there are records of the name appearing in the 1600s in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. In South African records, the name Guilder can be found dating back to the 1600s in the Cape Province.

Today, the Guilder name can still be found in all of these locations and beyond. Immigration to the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom has seen the Guilder family name take root in those countries. It is prevalent in Jewish communities, particularly in the US and Canada, as Jewish immigrants often adopted the name upon arrival.

The Guilder name has long been an indelible part of a proud European heritage. While the last name is becoming rarer in many parts of the world, Guilders can still be found in Old World and diaspora families alike.

Variations of the surname Guilder

The surname Guilder has many variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin. One of the most common variants of Guilder is the surname Gilder. This is likely due to the same phonetic origin. Gilder can also be spelled Gildar, Gilder, Gildor, Ghilder, Ghildar, Ghildor, Gyldor, and Gylder.

Other spellings include Guldar, Gulder, Guldor, Gowlder, Goldar, Golder, Goldor, and Gohldor.

The surname Guilder can also have a number of other surnames associated with it. These names include Gelderman, Gilderhus, Gilderman, Gelder, Goldehamer, Goldhamer, Guilders, Guldersmann, and Gyldenbrandt.

Guilder, Gilder, and all of its other variants and associated surnames are of German origin. It is believed that the name is derived from the Old German word “gilden”, which refers to a payment of tax or tribute.

So, while Guilder is the most common spelling of the surname, the spelling can vary widely, along with the surnames associated with it. All of these surnames are of German origin and likely derive their meaning from the same ancient German word.

Famous people with the name Guilder

• Malorie Guilder, a composer and multi-instrumentalist.
• Corinne Guilder, an American TV producer and parapsychologist.
• Trenton Guilder, a kicker and punter for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
• Augustus Guilder, a former professional basketball player.
• Leslie Guilder, a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and Paralympian.
• Gary Guilder, a former NASCAR driver and two-time champion in the Busch Series.
• Ralph Guilder, an Olympic silver medalist in Judo in the 2016 Games.
• Gene Guilder, a former professional baseball player.
• Susan Guilder, a prominent neurologist.
• Steve Guilder, a musician and singer-songwriter.

Other surnames

Guild