Surname Gansloßer - Meaning and Origin
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Gansloßer: What does the surname Gansloßer mean?
Gansloßer is a German surname derived from the words 'gans' meaning 'goose' and 'loßer' meaning 'cutter'. Together, the two elements mean 'goose cutter'. In medieval times, this was a profession associated with the management of geese used for food, clothing, and feathers.
In Germany, the profession of a goose cutter can be traced back to at least the twelfth century. They were in charge of harvesting geese, preparing them for transport, and monitoring numbers. Goose cutters were often employed in monasteries, castles, and other areas of relatively high population.
Throughout Germany, the profession of goose cutter lives on to this day, although in a much different format. Rather than harvesting geese, goose cutters now focus on preserving the natural habitats of geese in order to protect them and ensure their continued existence.
For broadening the use of the surname, Gansloßer may also refer to people whose ancestors had the profession of goose cutting. The surname was probably adopted by people in villages and smaller towns to indicate a connection to a profession, rather than one’s social and political status.
Today, the surname Gansloßer is still in use in parts of Germany, and may also be found in the United States and other countries where Germans have immigrated. It is most likely still viewed as a remembrance of a profession, a reminder of a particular cultural heritage, as well as a unique way to trace family roots.
Order DNA origin analysisGansloßer: Where does the name Gansloßer come from?
The last name Gansloßer is found in Germany and Austria today, although it is not a particularly common name. Most people with this surname live in the states of Bavaria, Thuringia, and Lower Saxony in Germany and Upper and Lower Austria in Austria.
In Bavaria, one of the most pronounced areas of Gansloßer concentration is in the district of Aichach-Friedberg, where the name is most likely to be encountered. This family is thought to originate in the area quite far back in time, with documented history of the name dating back several centuries. The name is also fairly well-known in the towns of Burgstadt in Upper Franconia and Kaufering in Bavaria, both with centuries of documented connection to the name.
In Austria, the name is known in the states of Upper and Lower Austria, most notably around Schärding, Grieskirchen, and Wels-Land. All of these regions have a long-standing connection to the Gansloßer family that is documented in old church books from the 17th century.
At present, the estimated total population of Gansloßer is between 1000 and 3000 worldwide. There is a Gansloßer Family Association in Germany that ties together the surviving branches of the family worldwide and is actively committed to preserving the name's ancient heritage through photographic and documentary projects.
Variations of the surname Gansloßer
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Gansloßer include Ganslosser, Gansloser, Ganslower, Ganslooser, Gansloos, and Gansloed. The spelling with the extra ‘e’ at the end has been the most commonly used variant.
Gansloßer is an occupational name, referring to a goose keeper. It is derived from the Middle High German words ‘ganz’ and ‘losêre’ meaning ‘goose’ and ‘herder’ respectively. It was likely a status name for someone with a high rank in the village who kept geese for their ruler.
Surnames with the same origin as Gansloßer include Ganz, Ganzloser, Ganzlow, Ganzloos, Ganzleed, and Gansleed. Some of these names include the Middle High German word ‘leed’ which means ‘learnt’ and ‘low’ which means ‘humble’.
Gansloßer is also a variant of the Low German surname Ganslohs, which is derived from the Middle Low German words ‘gans’ and ‘lohes’ meaning ‘goose’ and ‘keeper’ respectively. This name was likely used for someone who tended a flock of geese or a similar animal. Other surnames with the same origin are Gansloes, Ganslow, Ganslo, Ganslester, Gansleed, and Gansley.
Gansloßer is also the variation of the Ashkenazi Jewish surname Gansloser, derived from the Yiddish words ‘gans’ and ‘losener’ meaning ‘goose’ and ‘guardian’ respectively. It is a rare surname and likely referred to a specialist goose keeper in the area where it was used. Other surnames which share the same origin are Gansloe, Ganslow, Gansley, and Ganslester.
Overall, the surname Gansloßer is a rare but well-known surname originating in both Middle High and Low German as well as Yiddish languages. It likely referred to someone who kept and guarded geese, and this meaning is still preserved in surnames with the same origin.
Famous people with the name Gansloßer
- Hans Gansloßer: German-born film director, screenwriter, and producer who is well-known for his work on the films “Der Golem” and “Die Fahrten des Odysseus”.
- Ludwig Gansloßer: German swimmer who competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam.
- Alfred Gansloßer: German astronomer and an expert on optical instruments, geodesy, and astrometry who has been a professor at the University of Bonn since 1912.
- Magdalena Gansloßer: German actress who has appeared in many German-language films and television series since the early 2000s.
- Etel Gansloßer: Austrian lawyer and politician who was a long-time adviser on human rights to various government organizations.
- Markus Gansloßer: Austrian chess grandmaster and former world record holder in chess problem solving.
- Gerhard Gansloßer: German water polo player who competed in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
- Ulrike Gansloßer: German luge athlete who competed in the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck.
- Roman Gansloßer: Austrian cross-country skier who competed at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo.
- Karl Gansloßer: German actor, author, and radio spokesman who has worked in theater, film, and television since the early 1960s.