Origins of Goulding:
This uncommon and interesting name has two possible sources, both Anglo-Saxon. The first source may derive from the Old English pre 7th Century particular name "Goldhere," which is the combination of the components "gold," which means gold, with "here," which means army. This particular name shows in the Essex Pipe Rolls of 1197, Henricus Filius (son of) Goldere and the first recording of the surname from this origin appear in the 1296 Premium Rolls of Sussex, where one John Golder(e) was recorded. The second possible origin for the new surname is geographical, from the place named as "Golder" in Oxfordshire. The place name listed in 987 as "Goldhora", in the "Saxon Codex", and in the 1236 Close Rolls of the division as "Goldor". The name means "hill where marigolds grew", wa acquired from the Old English "golde", which means marigold, with "ora", which means hill. In some situations, the name may be geographical in origin, for a person who resided in such a place. Robert Golder married Elizabeth Wullens at Stainton by Langworth, Lincolnshire in June 1570, while William Goulder married Avis Jenkes at Grantham, Lincolnshire in April 1595.
More common variations are: Gouilding, Gouldeing, Goullding, Golding, Gulding, Gouldingay, Guilding, Goolding, Gaulding, Coulding.
The origins of the surname Goulding were found in Essex where people held a family seat from early times. Someone say better before the success of Normans and the entrance of Duke William at Hastings1066 A.D.
The very first recording spelling of the family was shown to be that of Matthew de Goldore, dated about 1275, in the "Hertfordshire Hundred Rolls." It was during the time of King Edward 1st, who was known to be the “The Hammer of the Scots," dated 1272-1307. The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation. It came to be known as Poll Tax in England.
Many of the people with surname Goulding had moved to Ireland during the 17th century.
United States of America:
Individuals with the surname Goulding settled in the United States in two different centuries respectively in the 17th, and 18th. Some of the people with the name Goulding who settled in the United States in the 17th century included George Goulding settled in Virginia in 1607, 12 years before the "Mayflower." Thomas and William Goulding, both settled in Virginia in the same year 1623. Thomas Goulding, who arrived in Virginia in 1623. William Goulding landed in Virginia in 1635. Jane and Mary Goulding, both settled in Virginia in 1650.
Some of the people with the surname Goulding who settled in the United States in the 18th century included Richard Goulding arrived in Virginia in 1715. Robert Goulding landed in Virginia in 1723.
Some of the people with the surname Goulding who settled in Canada in the 19th century included Thomas Goulding arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the ship "Edwin" from Dubline, Ireland. James Goulding, Margaret Goulding and Mary Goulding, all arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the schooner "Jane" from Galway, Ireland.
Some of the people with the surname Goulding who settled in Australia in the 19th century included Joseph Goulding arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Chatham." George Goulding arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Medina." William Goulding arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "William Stevenson."
Here is the population distribution of the last name Goulding: England 5,474; United States 2,838; Australia 1,671; Canada 1,347; Ireland 879; South Africa 840; New Zealand 256; Wales 226; Germany 202; Scotland 158.
Aaron Goulding (born 1982), is an Australian footballer.
Alfred J. Goulding (1898–1972), was an Australian-born American film director and composer.
Barrie Goulding was a UK TV producer.
Bobbie Goulding (born 1972), is an English rugby league football referee and player
Cathal Goulding (1923–1998), was a Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army and the Official IRA.