This surname was first recorded in 1417 on the Militia Roster as Gaudixi. in 1781, Francesco Gauci was made a Baron by Grand Master De Rohan. From the Siculo-Arabic al-gawdisi, eventually becoming Għawdxi in Maltese, and refers to "a native of Gozo". A more tentative connection could be to the Arabic awwâdji, meaning "ivory dealer". The three stars are a symbol of the Catholic faith, whilst the tower and azure field both signify spiritual strength.