Surname Gareis - Meaning and Origin

Gareis: What does the surname Gareis mean?

Gareis is a German last name with various possible meanings. It is derived from the Germanic personal name Gar, which was a short form of Garibald. The name could be linked to the Old High German gar, which means spear. In this case, the surname may mean “spearman” or “soldier”.

The surname may also have derived from other elements, such as the Medieval German gher, which meant “servant” or “squire.” This could indicate that someone with the surname was in the service of a lord or nobleman.

In addition, Gareis could also originate from the Medieval German word geiri, which means “swineherd” or “swinekeeper.” This would suggest that the original bearer of the name was employed as a farmer or caretaker of farm animals.

It’s also possible that the surname Gareis is derived from the Germanic god Gari, meaning “grace.” This could indicate that the original bearer of the name was blessed by the gods, or that they believed in the power of divine grace.

Ultimately, the true origin of the surname Gareis is unknown and could be any of the above. It could also be a combination of elements from several of the sources. Regardless of its origins, the surname provides a window into the lives of the original bearer and their ancestors.

Gareis: Where does the name Gareis come from?

The last name Gareis is most commonly found in Europe, particularly German-speaking countries. Notably, the name Gareis is the second most frequently found surname in Vienna and Carinthia, two regions in Austria. It is also found in significant numbers in other parts of Austria such as Upper and Lower Austria, Burgenland and Styria. Moreover, it is commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and other Central and Northern European countries.

The Gareis surname likely originated from German-speaking regions in the early 15th century, though some suggest it may have originated further back, in the 14th century. It is derived from the Middle High German word "gar," meaning "spear." As such, it likely served as an occupational name to describe someone who made spears or was an expert with this type of weapon.

The Gareis surname has spread across Europe since its initial emergence in German-speaking countries. In the United States, it is most frequently found in the states of Pennsylvania, California, and New York. There is also a significant Gareis population in Canada, with the highest concentration found in Ontario.

Variations of the surname Gareis

The surname Gareis is an old German variant of the surname Garai, with various spellings including the English Garay, the French Garai, and the German Gerai and Geray. It is also known as Garretson, Garland, and Garlande, and variants such as Gareiss, Garris, Garrisen, Gareis, and Garais. Gareis is an uncommon surname and most of its bearers originate from Germany, Austria, and other parts of Central Europe.

Gareis is derived from an archaic form of the Old High German word ‘Gariz’, a name for someone from a village near Bremen. It is believed that all of these different variations derive from the same ancient Proto-Germanic root, ‘gaard’ meaning ‘enclosure’ or ‘hut’. One of its earliest known occurrences is from the 12th century when the German knight Vigger Garaiz (also known as Gerhari) was documented fighting along the side of Emperor Friedrich I.

Gareis is also an occupational surname, describing someone who Borda ‘gardener’, a relatively common and valued profession during medieval times. Many of its variations are similarly derived and the name can be found throughout Europe, particularly in Germany, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

Today, the Gareis surname is most commonly found throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of the Netherlands and Belgium. Its spelling may vary between languages and regions but the origins remain the same.

Famous people with the name Gareis

• Eva Gareis: Actress from Germany who is known for roles in Out of Control, Pretty in the Face, and Wassermann Frauen.
• Chris Gareis: Former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys from 2005-2009.
• Markus Gareis: German historian and professor at the University of Stuttgart who specializes in American Political History and African-American studies.
• Anna Gareis: Branded lifestyle influencer and hairstylist in Los Angeles from Australia.
• Pius Gareis: Austrian Air Force officer during World War II who later became a business leader in the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) group of companies.
• Kenneth Gareis: Professional photographer in the United States who has captured special events for publications such as The New York Times.
• Michelle Gareis: American actress who has starred in shows such as The Bay of Charmed and Days of Our Lives.
• Akira Gareis: Japanese pop singer and songwriter active in the 1980s and 1990s.
• Thomas Gareis: Austrian sculptor known for his sculptures of public figures as well as monuments and memorials.

Other surnames

Gareiss