Surname Gfäller - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Gfäller: What does the surname Gfäller mean?
Gfäller is a German surname derived from a Middle High German word meaning “a powerful one”, with the suffix “-er” marking possession, and was likely given to someone with a reputation for strength or power in medieval times. It also may have been used as a nickname for someone of high status, or might have been a title employed for a government office.
The surname is most common in parts of Upper Bavaria and the Oberpfalz regions of Germany, and is thought to have originated in Auermühle, nearly 100 miles east of Munich. Records show signs of the Gfäller name as early as the 17th century, though the family may have origins dating back centuries prior.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, families bearing the Gfäller surname migrated to the United States, most notably to areas of Pennsylvania and Ohio. The name is still found in many parts of the U.S., particularly in Pennsylvania.
Today, people with the surname Gfäller are respected members of their communities, and often play an important role in continuing the proud history of their ancestors. The Gfäller family name brings with it a sense of pride and admiration of one’s ancestry, reminding those descended from it of the great strength and daring it took to build a life in a new land in centuries past.
Order DNA origin analysisGfäller: Where does the name Gfäller come from?
The last name Gfäller is commonly found today primarily in the German-speaking parts of Europe. It is still most predominant in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This is likely due to having its roots in the German language. According to one source, the name could have come from a personal name of the same spelling that was derived from the Old German word "gfelle", meaning "channel". This implies the name could have originally designated someone who lived near a stream or channel.
The further history of the name is not entirely certain, but it could have originated as an early form of a hereditary family name. It is thought to have been used in Germany in the 13th and 14th centuries, but in small numbers. This is likely because hereditary last names were not widely adopted in Germany until the 1500s. Because of this, it is possible Gfäller is a relatively new name in Germany.
Today, Gfäller is still mainly found in Europe, with the highest concentration being in its place of origin, Germany. It is also relatively uncommon in Europe, ranking 8,932 out of the most common 10,000 surnames in the region.
Despite its relative rarity outside of Europe, Gfäller can also be found scattered throughout other non-German-speaking parts of the world due to immigration. This includes countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil.
Variations of the surname Gfäller
Gfäller is a rare Austrian surname that can be variated in several ways. Generally speaking, all forms of the surname Gfäller stem from the Middle High German word "Veler" meaning "settler." The most common variants of Gfäller include Gefeller, Geffeler, Giefeller, and Gifeller.
Gefeller is one variant used from Middle High German. This form of the name generally is thought to refer to a person who was quick to settle into a new area or new living space.
Geffeler is another Middle High German form of the name. This variant generally is thought to denote a farm or estate owner.
Giefeller is also a variant of Gfäller, this spelling is thought to be derived from the Middle High German phrase "gebeler", which was thought to be used in a derogatory way to refer to a foreigner or a person from a rural background.
The last variant of the surname Gfäller is Gifeller, also derived from Middle High German. This spelling is thought to have originally referred to someone who lived near a village or small town.
In conclusion, Gfäller is an uncommon Austrian surname with several variants including Gefeller, Geffeler, Giefeller, and Gifeller. All of these variants stem from the Middle High German word "Veler" meaning “settler” or “stranger” and can indicate self-settlers, estate owners, foreigners, or people living in rural areas.
Famous people with the name Gfäller
- Gregor Gfäller, Austrian novelist
- Bill Gfäller, American Middle Distance runner
- Doris Gfäller, Austrian Social Worker
- Albert Gfäller, German Painter
- Anna Gfäller, Swedish Curator and Museum Director
- Gisela Gfäller, Austrian Politician
- Johann Gfäller, German Brew Master
- Peter Gfäller, Swiss Scientist
- Martina Gfäller, Italian Actress
- Arnulf Gfäller, Swiss Musician