Surname Jirausch - Meaning and Origin
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Jirausch: What does the surname Jirausch mean?
Jirausch is a surname of German origin. The meaning of the name is uncertain, though some sources suggest that it may be derived from two distinct words – ‘Jören’ meaning ‘to fear’ or ‘to respect’, and ‘Rausch’ which can mean ‘drunkenness’ or ‘frenzy’. Additionally, some references inadvertently state that the name originates from Jülich, which was an independent duchy located in the Lower Rhine region of Germany until the 19thcentury.
The name has existed for many hundreds of years in Germany and is most common in the north of the country as well as in cities such as Berlin. It was likely an occupational name used to describe someone who brewed beer or an innkeeper.
Today, those with the surname Jirausch can be found in Germany, the USA, Canada, and other countries. In the US especially, many bearers of the name are descended from German immigrants – although it is not one of the most popular German surnames in the US, it still has a significant presence there.
In German heraldry, the name is symbolised by a green gryphon holding a golden turnip in its talons. This references the original meaning of the name, with the bird being representative of the fear of the future and the turnip symbolising the drunkenness of a festive celebration.
Order DNA origin analysisJirausch: Where does the name Jirausch come from?
The last name Jirausch is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the state of Bavaria. It is an occupation-based surname, derived from the German word 'jurr', meaning deliveryman. In the past, Jirausch was likely the surname given to those who delivered goods such as coal, firewood, and grain from village to village.
Jirausch is still fairly common in Germany today, and can be found in many German communities throughout the United States, as well as in countries like Austria and Switzerland. It is also a surname that can be found with some frequency in the Czech Republic.
The name Jirausch can sometimes be found in various spellings, such as Jirasch, Jaerasch, or Yirasch. It is sometimes also written as Yerasch, Yerrasch, and Gerasch. Thus, when researching the origins of the surname, looking for all of these variations is advisable.
There has been some suggestion that the surname may have alternate origins, although these have not been conclusively proven. Some have argued that the name is actually derived from the old German word 'vogeleri', meaning falconry. Others have posited a Jewish origin for the surname, arguing that it is thought to derive from the Hebrew word 'yahira', meaning to shine brightly.
Regardless of its exact origin, today the last name Jirausch is most commonly associated with Germany, and continues to be a fairly common German surname in both Europe and North America.
Variations of the surname Jirausch
The surname "Jirausch" is an occupational surname of Central European origin, derived from the Central German and Austrian term "gereutscher" or "jireuter," which means "pot maker." A variety of spellings and variants of the surname have developed over time, including Jirasch, Jireusch, Jiraschek, Jirek, Jirecek, and Gyerush.
In Germany, variations like the Low German Jirensch, Jirensche, and Jirens are also found. Another variation of the name is Gjiresch, which is the Carinthian (Slovene dialect) version of the name. The Jirasch variants are the most common in the Austrian area, while the Gyerush and Jirensche variants are found in the Czech Republic.
In Poland, the spelling is usually written as Gyrasz or Gyraszek and is believed to originate from areas close to the Czech Republic. In other parts of Europe, variations such as Yerasch and Jeraschek have also been recorded. In Slovakia, it is spelled Gjurášch.
Over the years, some branches of the family have adopted other spellings and surnames. For example, some may have taken on "Yerash" (Russian) or "Gyerush" (the Slovakian version of the name).
Altogether, the variants, spellings and surnames for the surname "Jirausch" originate from Central European roots, but have diverged over time to include a variety of spellings and surnames depending on the region and culture from which the family originated.
Famous people with the name Jirausch
- K. E. Jirasch: German climatologist and glaciologist.
- San Jirasch: German architect and sculptor.
- Karl Jirasch: German professor of social and economic history.
- Karl Jirasch III: German World War I fighter ace.
- Karl Jirasch Jr.: German politician and lawyer.
- Michael Jirasch: American film producer.
- Karin Jirasch: Austrian-born American television director and producer.
- Peter Jirasch: American classical composer and conductor.
- Paul Jirasch: German writer.
- Elly Jirasch: German actress and opera singer.