Surname Gerhert - Meaning and Origin
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Gerhert: What does the surname Gerhert mean?
The last name Gerhert is a Germanic last name, with roots in the Frankish language, meaning "brave", "strong" or "valiant".
It is believed to have originated as a nickname or sobriquet, describing an individual who showed qualities of courage and boldness in the face of danger or adversity. The spelling of the surname has shifted over the centuries due to changes in language, technology and culture.
Gerhert is found in several countries, mainly in northwestern Europe including Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, though it also has some presence in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The surname is most likely derived from the Germanic warrior aristocracy, often found in the highest levels of society. In medieval Europe, the Gerhert family held the title of knights, lords and barons. This pedigree could explain the ubiquity of the name in later era places such as Germany.
In modern times, the Gerhert last name is still highly regarded and associated with strength and bravery. Gerhert families remain common throughout Europe and it is common to find Gerherts who have become famous in politics, music, science and other areas.
In the USA, however, the name is much less common, though it might be changing with the increased globalisation of modern times.
Order DNA origin analysisGerhert: Where does the name Gerhert come from?
The surname Gerhert is a common family name in parts of Europe and the United States. Most notably, it is widely used in Germany, where the name was popularized in the early 1800s. The name is also common in Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, as well as parts of Belgium and France. In the United States, the name is most common in the Midwestern and Appalachian regions, as well as states with large German-American populations such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York, and Ohio.
The last name Gerhert is held by approximately 18,700 people in the United States. While the name is most popular in Germany, the second most common area it is found is the United States, making up over 11% of all Gerhert families recorded in the country. While the name is found in various states throughout the United States, it is most popular in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The etymology of the name suggests it is derived from the German term “ghert” or “gericht,” which translates to “judge.” It is believed that the name was based on the professions of the first members of the family, with the name being used to designate a respected position in the family or community. The name is still passed down through the generations in many parts of the world today.
Variations of the surname Gerhert
Gerrard is a surname of Germanic origin, derived from the personal name "Gerhard". It is found among people of British, Irish, Dutch, German and Scandinavian descent.
Common variations and alternate spellings of the name include Garard, Gerrard, Garrard, Gerhard and Gerhardt. In the Netherlands, Germany and Austria, Gerhard is sometimes spelt Garret or Garrett and in Scotland it is spelt Garrard. In some cases, the name may also be spelled Gerhert or Gerhart. The name is also found as Jarrett, Jerrard and Jarratt.
In the United States, the surname is found as Gerrish, Gerretsen, Geraldson, Gerrity, Juritz, Gherardi, Gericke, Gerwick and Greer. In Ireland, the surname is found as Geary, Gear, Garner, Geraghty, Gerry and Girouard.
The Scottish variation of the name is regions specific, with those in the eastern region typically spell it Gerrard and those in the western part spell it Garrard. The same applies to the Dutch form Garret, which is common in the north, and Garrett, which is more common in the south. The Americanized version of the name is usually Gerrard.
In some cases, the spelling of the name may be different in different regions, particularly when the spelling of local languages influenced the surname in early times. An example of this is the Germanic form Gerhard, which is written either Gerhardt or Gerhert.
Famous people with the name Gerhert
- Charles Gerhert: Eighteenth-century French poet, translator and polymath
- Richard Gerhert: twentieth-century American author, playwright, and screenwriter
- Chester Gerhert: American comedian and actor best known for his role in Bob and Tom
- Erika Gerhert: German artist, illustrator, and writer
- Jeff Gerhert: professional soccer player for the Washington D.C. United
- Rosemarie Gerhert: German singer and songwriter
- Otto Gerhert: Austrian-Swiss actor and producer
- Frieder Gerhert: German astrophysicist and physicist
- Albert Gerhert: Belgian tennis player and Olympian
- Charles-Auguste Gerhert: French sculptor and artist