Surname Gerwerth - Meaning and Origin

Gerwerth: What does the surname Gerwerth mean?

The last name Gerwerth is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Gero or Gerhard. It is thought to have first appeared in the 14th century, with individuals named Gerwerth being recorded in documents of the time from various locations in Germany.

The name Gerwerth can indicate the occupation of an individual or their family due to its literal translation meaning war-strong or battle-strong. This is thought to be a descriptive surname, derived from the profession of fighting. It was likely used to identify someone of this profession, or someone who was seen to be Leading in battle-related activities.

The Gerwerths were considered to be a successful noble family. The coat of arms of the family includes an open hand with a gold heart, taboo and winged sun. This is considered to be a symbol of loyalty and devotion, as well as courage during battle.

The Gerwerth name can be found in many locations in Germany often as multiple spellings such as Gwerth, Gwerdt and Guerth. Despite its roots in Germany, it is now also a common surname found in the United States as well.

Gerwerth: Where does the name Gerwerth come from?

The last name Gerwerth is associated with the German language, meaning "spear strength." It is most commonly found today in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Poland, though this name can also be found scattered in places across the globe.

In Germany, the name Gerwerth is particularly common in the states of Bavaria, Hesse, and Saxony. In some areas, such as north-western Poland, the spelling of this name is more commonly seen as "Gierwert."

The United States is home to some of the largest concentrations of people bearing the surname Gerwerth outside of Germany and its neighboring countries. Major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia all have sizeable populations of those with the name Gerwerth.

In the United Kingdom, people bearing the surname are numerous, but more concentrated in north-east England's Sunderland and Durham Counties.

In Canada, the name is seen mainly in Ontario's Peel and York regions.

In Australia, the name cannot be found in many large numbers, but is primarily located in Queensland's Brisbane suburbs.

Overall, the surname continues to be widely found in among many countries across the globe, with Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia being home to many of the name's most common concentrations today.

Variations of the surname Gerwerth

Gerwerth is a German and Swiss surname which may have derived from the given name Görwürth or the German word gerwerden, meaning to harden. Variants of this surname include Geyerwirth, Garwerth, Giwerth, Gairwirth, Garwirth, Gerwert, Gerwerth, Gerwid, Görwert and Görwerth. Chronological spellings for Gerwerth include Körerwerth, Körerwerd, Korwerth and Korwerd.

Gerwerth can also become abbreviated form of the surname, most commonly Gwerth or Geyerwirth, occasionally Giwerth or Garwerth.

The most commonlocations to find this surname are Germany and Switzerland, specifically in the southern regions of Germany and the northern regions of Switzerland.

In some cases, the spelling of the surname can also change depending on religious background, with variations of Gerwerth such as Jewish Gairwirth, or Berwerth or Gairwirth occurring in Jewish families.

The records of Gerwerth family members in the Netherlands can be found back as late as around 1672 and by the 19th century the spelling of the surname had established itself in various forms throughout Europe.

As well as featuring in Jewish families, the surname variation Görwerth has also been identified in families closely linked to the Lutheran faith.

In some areas, such as Hungary, the spelling of the surname may also have shifted over time, resulting in variants such as Gerweart, Gerverdt and Gerwerd occurring.

Surnames associated with Gerwerth closely include Görwerth, Görwert, Geyerwirth and Garwirth. As with any surname, the spelling may also have altered over time and place, making it difficult to trace accurately.

Famous people with the name Gerwerth

• Pam Gerwerth: Set Decorator and Art Designer known for her work on Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, and The Finest Hours.
• Pat Gerwerth: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who went 2–2 with a 3.60 in the MLB for seven innings during his single season in 1968.
• Jeff Gerwerth: American actor who starred in NYPD Blue, The Practice, and Without a Trace.
• Meg Gerwerth: Musician and multi-instrumentalist who plays electric bass, upright bass, guitar and drums. She has collaborated with multiple artists on albums and concerts, including performances at the White House and the Grammy Awards.
• Mark Gerwerth: Amercan DJ and founder of Miami-based audio company Gerwerth Productions, which produces events, activations, and artist remixes for nightclubs all over the globe.
• George Gerwerth: Austrian-American cellist who recorded with the Orchester Paul Mauriat from 1969 to 1981.
• Lou Gerwerth: Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has played bass guitar for artists such as Michael McDonald and Poco.
• Ed Gerwerth: Grammy-nominated songwriter, arranger, and producer whose songs have been recorded by artists including Celine Dion, Elvis Presley, Luther Vandross, and Roy Orbison.
• Robert Gerwerth: Founded the Paul Gerwerth Manufacturing Company, a cabinet-maker and furniture-making company in 1864.
• Paul Gerwerth: Bohemian-born Chicago businessman and entrepreneur responsible for founding the Paul Gerwerth Manufacturing Company.

Other surnames

Gerwert