Surname Geering - Meaning and Origin
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Geering: What does the surname Geering mean?
The last name Geering is of Germanic origin. The word 'geer' means 'spear' or 'lance' and was a popular personal name among the Saxons. As a last name, it is believed to have originated from someone who was known for their skill with a spear.
The presence of the name in different parts of Europe suggests a diffusion of the surname as a result of migrations throughout the Middle Ages. In England it is found mainly in Central and Eastern England. In Scotland it appears to have been widely adopted as the family of George Geering – a prominent orator and lawyer – is found throughout Scotland and parts of England.
The Geering surname has a long history in the United States. Its most famous holder was Senator Robert Geering of New York, who served as senator from 1919 - 1925 and was a vocal supporter of womens' rights.
As a last name, Geering suggests strength and sharpness. It is associated with determination and the ability to achieve goals, as well as loyalty and pride. As a marker of someone’s history and a journey of many miles, it is a unique and special name that carries with it a history of many generations.
Order DNA origin analysisGeering: Where does the name Geering come from?
The last name Geering is not particularly common today. It is rarely found outside of Germany, where it is particularly concentrated in the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.
Most of the people with the Geering last name probably trace their roots back to medieval Germany, when it was well established. It is a locational last name from any place called Geer, after a single family of the same name founded it.
In North America today, the Geering last name is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, which has seen a wave of German immigration since the 1700s. There are also notable occurrences in Michigan, New York, Washington, California and Idaho. Outside of the US, it has spread to Canada, the UK, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
The largest concentrations in the modern world seem to be in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony, Germany, and Pennsylvania, USA, with a few other pockets scattered across other countries and continents.
Variations of the surname Geering
The surname Geering is of English origin, and is derived from the Old English terms “Gara” and “Ing” which translated means ‘spring dweller,’ or ‘spring dweller’s field.’ This surname is also linked to the Anglo-Saxon tribe known as the Geirings.
Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin include Gearing, Gering, Giering, and Geerings. Some other possible variations recommended for further research include Gairing, Garring, Gyring, Geroing, Garling, and Gerring.
The spelling of the surname has changed over time, with recorded variations from the late Middle Ages until the present day that include Jearing, Jaring, Graring, Jering, Jirings, Geeryng, Geryng, Gerying, Gaerings, and Gearings.
In 16th and 17th Century England names were often spelt phonetically, meaning that a name which today appears as Geering in one region may have been spelt Gearing in another.
The 2000 United States census records revealed that the spelling of Gering was the 33rd most prevalent surname in the US.
The frequency and distribution of this name is highest in The United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Canada, United States, New Zealand, Germany, The Netherlands, and Denmark.
Geering is also linked to the Scandinavian surname, Goring, which may have originated from the same root, and may share a common ancestry.
The Geering genealogy spans the English, Scottish, Irish, Dutch, German, Danish, and French families. It is believed that the Geerings originated from Germany, and that the name ‘Gering’ is derived from the medieval name ‘Geringes.’
Most of the early records of this surname are found in Germany and the Netherlands. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many Dutch immigrants bearing the Geering surname settled in the United States, Canada and Australia.
Famous people with the name Geering
- Alice Geering: English International rhythmic gymnastics athlete.
- Arthur Geering: British World War I flying ace credited with 5 aerial victories.
- Joe Geering: Australian Rules footballer that played for the St. Kilda Football Club.
- Katlyn Geering: Canadian professional soccer player for Canada Soccer.
- Michael Geering: English cricket player, who played his club cricket for Launceston Cricket Club.
- William Geering: British athlete who specialized in the half mile run and competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics.
- John Geering: Canadian politician and teacher who was the Member of Provincial Parliament for the Peel riding from 1931 to 1934.
- Jim Geering: Australian rules footballer who played for the Collingwood Football Club and former president of Collingwood in 1951 and 1952.
- Morris Geering: American fitter and cotton machinist who participated in the labor movement and was active in the Industrial Workers of the World.
- Paul Geering: Australian rules footballer who played for the Essendon Football Club.