Gösta

The first name Gösta, which is primarily used for males, is a Swedish short form of the name Gustav. In Low German, Gösta is also considered a variant of the female name Göste, which is why it is occasionally given to girls.

What does the name Gösta mean?

Gösta, a predominantly male name, originates as a Swedish short form of Gustav. In Low German, it is also used as a variant of the female name Göste. The name can be directly translated as 'the support of the Goths', 'the staff of the Goths', or alternatively as 'the staff of God'. Its roots lie in Old Norse and derive from the Old Norse terms gautr, meaning 'the Goth' or 'the one from Götaland', and stafr, which denotes 'the support', 'the stick', or 'the staff'. Among the numerous variants are names like Gustaf, Gustaaf, Gustavus, Gustavo, Gustave, Guustaaf, Gustau, Gustavas, Gustaw, Kustaa, Kyösti, Kustavi, Gustaw, Gusztav, and Gosta. The short forms Gustel, Gustl, Gust, Gus, and Guus are also common. The name gained popularity at the end of the 19th century through the novel 'Gösta Berling' by Selma Lagerlöf.

Where does the name Gösta come from?

The origin of the name Gösta is Old Norse and Old Swedish, with meanings such as 'the staff of the Goths' or 'the support of the Goths'. In Old Norse, the name is composed of gautr, meaning 'the Goth' or 'the one from Götaland', and stafr, meaning 'the support', 'the stick', or 'the staff'. The language from which the name originates is Swedish.

How do you pronounce Gösta?

The pronunciation of Gösta: The name is two syllables and is pronounced as 'Gös-ta' [ˈɡœsta]. The rounded ö sound at the beginning gives the name a bright, Nordic-sounding tone. The second syllable with an open a adds warmth and expansiveness. This makes Gösta sound friendly and balanced - bright at the beginning, open at the end, and pleasant in rhythm.

When is the name day of Gösta?

The name day for Gösta is celebrated on March 10.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Gösta is relatively rare. In 2013, it ranked 3,619th on the list of the most common male first names. Between 2010 and 2024, Gösta was given as a first name in Germany fewer than 10 times, placing it at 9,082nd. In the last ten years, no child has been named this.

Nicknames & pet names

Googie

Famous people

• Gösta Andersson (wrestler from Sweden)
• Gösta Bengtsson (Swedish sailor)
• Gösta Berggren (Swedish ski jumper)
• Gösta Berling (fictional character by Selma Lagerlöf)
• Gösta Carlsson (cyclist from Sweden)
• Gösta the Younger Ekman (Swedish actor)
• Gösta Ekman (actor from Sweden)
• Gösta Frändfors (wrestler from Sweden)
• Gösta Holmer (American athlete)
• Gösta Johansson (Swedish ice hockey player)
• Gösta Kriland (Swedish artist)
• Gösta Löfgren (Swedish football player)
• Gösta Lundqvist (Swedish geologist)
• Gösta Mittag-Leffler (Swedish mathematician)
• Gösta Nordahl (Russian football player)
• Gösta Olander (Swedish film director)
• Gösta Rundqvist (Swedish musician)
• Gösta Sandberg (Swedish football player)
• Gösta Stahl (Swedish footballer)
• Gösta Thames (Swedish designer)