Surname Gandraß - Meaning and Origin

Gandraß: What does the surname Gandraß mean?

The last name Gandraß is a German surname originating from Bavaria. It is believed to be derived from the German for ‘goat’ or ‘goat trail’, as it was first used to refer to people who herded goats. In some cases, it may also have begun as a nickname for somebody with certain characteristics that were associated with goats, such as being strong, resilient, and stubborn.

Although the exact origin of the name is uncertain, records suggest that it has likely been present in German-speaking regions since at least the 14th century. Over the centuries, the surname has taken on many variations such as Gandrasse, Gandrass, Gendras, Gendrasse, and Gendrass.

Through the years, the Gandraß family has grown and spread all over the world. It is now a relatively common surname, especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Today, those with the Gandraß surname can be found in various places across the globe, from North America to Europe, South America, and even Australia.

No matter where they are, those with this unique surname share a special connection to their German heritage that is deeply rooted in their family history. Even after centuries, the name Gandraß remains a reminder of the perseverance, strength, and resilience of a people steeped in a unique cultural identity that binds them together.

Gandraß: Where does the name Gandraß come from?

The surname Gandraß is a German name that is considered to be most common today among those of German heritage living in the United States. The surname is also found in other countries, particularly in Germany, where it may have originated.

In America, the 2000 US Census found there to be a total of 1,171 individuals with the last name Gandraß. Over the course of several centuries, German immigrants brought the name to the United States and today more than half of those residing with the surname are found in the Midwestern states such as Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, followed by Texas and Ohio.

The surname Gandraß is a patronymic surname, meaning that it originated from one’s father’s given name. It is derived from the German personal name “Ganderoeth”, which is a combination of two words: “Gand” and “Röth”. “Gand” is an old name for God, and “Röth” is a variation of “rothen,” which is a German word for “red.” So, the surname literally means God's red.

Research Willy Gandraß from the University of Greifswald in Germany suggests that there were two branches of Gandraß family, one from the region of Goslar in north-western Germany and a second branch around Obere deut in eastern Germany. So, today the surname is likely found in many different countries, with the United States a particular hotspot due to the number of German immigrants who arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Variations of the surname Gandraß

The surname Gandraß is of German origin and is derived from the old German word candres meaning “candlemaker” or “candle seller”. This surname is common all over Germany and can also be found in surnames with slight variations in spelling.

The variants and spellings of the surname Gandraß include Ganderass, Gandras, Ghandras, Gandreas, Gandrasch, Gandrasse, Ganderasse, Ganderas, Gandeross and Gandross.

One of the prominent namesakes of this surname is the prominent German novelist Michael Gandras. He is best known for his animated screen adaptation of the popular novel “Perfume” by Patrick Süskind.

Gandraß may also be found in surnames with the same origin but non-German spelling such as Candras, Candrassi, Candrasci and Candraš.

Although these spellings may look different, they all have the same origin and meaning, and are simply the result of variations in spelling through time and location.

So if you are looking for a variant of Gandraß, you can go with any of the ones listed above.

Famous people with the name Gandraß

• Marius Gandraß: German actor
• Werner Gandraß: German musician
• Hans-Jürgen Gandraß: German footballer
• Jörg Gandraß: German politician
• Andreas Gandraß: German pianist
• Renata Gandraß: Austrian actress
• Johannes Gandraß: German footballer
• Claude Gandraß: Danish actor
• Christian Gandraß: German entrepreneur and executive manager
• Lothar Gandraß: German historian

Other surnames

Gandras