Surname Gehlke - Meaning and Origin

Gehlke: What does the surname Gehlke mean?

The last name Gehlke is a German surname. It is a name derived from the term ‘gewaltig’, which translates to ‘mighty’ or ‘strong’. The name is believed to have originally been used as a nickname for a person of great strength or power. Over time, the name likely evolved from this nickname, which would explain why the name now also appears in various other locations around the world.

The exact origin of the Gehlke surname is unknown, though it is believed to have originated somewhere in Germany in the Middle Ages. The name is most commonly found in northern Germany, though it is also found throughout the country and even in some locations outside of Germany.

The Gehlke surname is previously a patronymic or ‘father’s’ name that identified someone as someone’s son. It is possible that families with the Gehlke name may have been related to prominent families during the Middle Ages. The specific connotation of the name has since shifted, and is no longer necessarily associated with strength or power.

Today, the Gehlke surname is a relatively common one. It is often spelled differently between countries, with variants including Gelke, Gehle, Gehlen, and Gehele, among others. In the United States, there are over 500 individuals with the surname Gehlke, with most living in Wisconsin and Indiana.

Gehlke: Where does the name Gehlke come from?

Gehlke is a common surname in Northern and Central Europe, and particularly in Germany. It is most common in the German states of Bavaria, Hesse, and Thuringia, and also in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The last name is also found in the United States, which has a large population of German immigrants. It is especially common in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, states with a large German-American population. It appears as Gehlke, Gehl, Gehlker, and Gehleke. Gehlke is also common in Denmark, but less so in other Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden.

In its homeland of Germany, the surname originated from a nickname for someone who was thought to have the characteristics of a roe deer (Gehirsch in German). These characteristics could include an athletic nature and quick reflexes. The name is also related to the word 'Gähl,' which is an old German verb that means to gossip or babble.

Like many German last names, Gehlke is derived from an occupational title or physical description. From its origins, the name has spread across the globe and is now common in Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Gehlke

The surname Gehlke has several variants, spellings and surnames which have the same origin.

Gehlke is a German surname. Common variants of Gehlke are Gehlcken, Gehlck, Gehlkeh, Gehlk, Gehlckmann, Gehlcker, Gehllke, Gehlkmann and Gehlken.

It is believed that the name is derived from the old German word ‘gehelke’, which means ‘small girl, wife’. It can also be derived from the German word ‘gehalke’, which means ‘ferry’ or ‘bridges’.

Similar surnames to Gehlke include Gahlke, Gehlert, Gehlt, Geilke, Gehlhausen, Geiselke, Gelke, Gehlmann, Gehrke, Geissler, and Gehrig. These surnames may have a different spelling but have the same origin as Gehlke.

The Gehlke surname may also be spelled differently depending on the region in which it is found. In some parts of Germany, the name is written as Gelke, whereas in other places it is written as Gahlke.

Gehlke can also be used as a nickname for someone who bridges gaps or farming. It could also be used in reference to someone who lives near a ferry.

The Gehlke surname is found most prominently in Germany. It is, however, also found in other parts of Europe, such as Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Famous people with the name Gehlke

• Olaf Gehlke: Olaf Gehlke (born 29 October 1949 in Wolfsburg, Germany) is a former German track and field athlete and specialized in the 400 metres sprint. In the 1972 Summer Olympics he was a member of the German 4 x 400 metres relay team that won the gold medal and achieved a world record during the final.
• Al Gehlke: Al Gehlke is the former President of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). He served from 2007–12 and is credited with helping the organization expand its membership and strengthen its ties with the national motorcycling community.
• Eddie Gehlke: Eddie Gehlke is an American sound designer and stand-up comedian. He has worked on various popular films scoring the sound for both the theatrical and home video releases.
• Chris Gehlke: Chris Gehlke is a professional hockey player who plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League.
• Erin Gehlke: Erin Gehlke is an American model and actress who has appeared in numerous commercials and Hollywood films such as That Awkward Moment, Drop Dead Diva and The Protector.
• Bill Gehlke: Bill Gehlke is a retired American basketball player who played most of his professional career in the ABA. He is considered one of the pioneers of the ABA and was named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of All-Time in 1996.
• Lars Gehlke: Lars Gehlke is a German biologist who researches the neural control of behavior. He is currently the head of the Institute for Neurobiology at the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology.
• Richard Gehlke: Richard Gehlke is an American sculptor and metal artist. He is known for his 3D steel sculptures, which combine art and engineering. 9.Fritz Gehlke: Fritz Gehlke is a German sports journalist and author. He is a permanent contributor to the Handball World magazine and has authored several books on the subject.

Other surnames

GehlkenGehlker