Surname Gerhrig - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Gerhrig: What does the surname Gerhrig mean?
The last name Gerhrig is of Germanic origin and is derived from the given name Gerhard, meaning ‘strong with a spear.’ The name was used as a hereditary surname, which would have grown in popularity throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. It is not known exactly when the name was first used as a hereditary surname, however, its early recorded mentions date back to 1220 in Bavaria.
The spelling of the name has changed over the years, but one of the most famous renditions of the name is associated with the iconic baseball player, Lou Gehrig. While his last name is now spelled as “Gehrig,” earlier generations of his family would likely have spelled it as “Gerhrig.” This spelling could either be an arguably more “correct” version of the name due to its being closer to the orignal German, or it could simply be an alternate form of the name due to its spread through oral tradition.
The modern meaning of the name is relatively the same, and is thus associated with strength and courage. Families bearing the name can trace their roots back to the Middle Ages, and even today, the name can serve as a representation of formidable strength and fearlessness.
Order DNA origin analysisGerhrig: Where does the name Gerhrig come from?
The last name Gerhrig is most commonly found in Germany today. Although the name can be traced back to roots in the Nordic countries of Scandinavia, it is most commonly seen in the German language due to its longstanding place in the territory. There is a small pocket of individuals with this last name living in the United States, mainly in areas with large German populations, such as Wisconsin and Iowa.
The name Gerhrig is derived from the Middle High German word "ger" meaning "spear". A spear, often a symbol of strength and protection, is an apt descriptor given to a family name. This would make sense considering that the Gerhrig surname is mostly considered a hereditary name, meaning it was passed down over the generations from father to son.
In popular culture, the last name Gerhrig is most well-known due to its association with legendary MLB player Lou Gerhrig. As one of the first superstars of American baseball, Lou went on to become a talismanic figure in the sport and an inspiration to millions around the world. In his honor, the Lou Gehrig's Disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is named in his honor.
Variations of the surname Gerhrig
The variants, spellings and surnames related to the origin of surname Gerhrig include Gehrig, Gehrig, Gerhrig, Gerrig, Gehrke, Garke, Garreck, Garrek, Gerreck, Gerick and Gerreck.
The most common version of the surname is Gehrig, which is a Germanic name that was derived from a similar sounding word for strong. This version is often found in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania due to the heavy German immigration to that area.
Gehrig is also a German spelling of the surname, which is found in Pennsylvania and also in other Germanic regions in Europe. Gerhrig is a variation of the surname, which is usually found in Russian and Eastern European countries as a result of post World War II immigration.
Gerrig is an alternate spelling of Gerhrig, which is mainly found in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe. Gehrke is a Dutch spelling of the name that is found in the Netherlands, Germany, and some German-speaking areas of the United States.
Garke and Garreck are variations of the more common surname Gerhrig, which were adopted by individuals who emigrated to the United States during the early 19th century. Garrek and Gerreck are both official variations of the surname Gerhrig, which is found in Germany. Gerick is the name which was adopted by individuals from Germany during the 19th century, and is also found in the US.
Famous people with the name Gerhrig
- Lou Gehrig (1903–1941): He was an American professional baseball player who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. He was widely considered one of the greatest players in baseball history and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.
- Charlie Gehringer (1903-1993): He was an American Major League Baseball second baseman and a six-time All-Star who played for the Detroit Tigers. He was a part of the team that won the 1935 World Series, and is considered one of the greatest second basemen in Major League Baseball history.
- Carl Gehringer (1903-1993): He was an American professional baseball player and a Major League Baseball executive. He played for the Detroit Tigers from 1924 to 1942 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949.
- Richard Gehrig (1908-1982): He was a German-born American football player. He played six seasons in the National Football League.
- Wally Gerhrig (1903-1960): He was an American Major League Baseball outfielder who played for the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. He played in the 1930 World Series for the Indians and was inducted into the International League Hall of Fame in 1985.
- Walter Gerhrig (1904-1973): He was an American professional baseball pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a member of the 1930 World Series championship team.
- Ken Heintzelman (1912-1960): He was a Major League baseball pitcher. He played 13 years in the major leagues, primarily for the Philadelphia Phillies, and retired with a winning percentage of .494.