Gouge meaning | Last name Gouge origin

The form of the Goose. "The nobility of the goose is not so obvious as that of the swan. Yet it was in ancient and honourable use as a man's name. Genseric, the name of the great Vandal chief, is referred by Grimm to gänserich, a gander. But it was no doubt the wild goose that gave the name; and if we consider, we shall see that this bird has some qualities calculated to command the respect of those early roving tribes. A powerful bird, strong on the wing, taking long flights to distant lands, marshalled with the most beautiful discipline of instinct, it formed no inapt emblem of those migratory plunderers who renewed their unwelcome visitations with each succeeding spring." The name Goose is not unusual in East Anglia, and Gosland, Gosnell, Goslee, local surnames, appear to be from this source, as well, perhaps, as Goss, Anglo-Saxon Le Gos is the Hundred Rolls form.

A variation of Gooch. Of uncertain origin; but scholars derive the last name from the Old Norse gud, war. Goche without prefix is found in the Hundred Rolls.

Lastname Gouge is variation of Gooch. The red-haired or ruddy man; son of Eochaidh meaning "rich in cattle".