Surname Gehlert - Meaning and Origin
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Gehlert: What does the surname Gehlert mean?
The last name Gehlert is of German origin. It derives from the name Goehler, which was a nickname for a strong person. Goehler or Goehle was an occupational name for a wheelwright or wagonmaker, both professions that required strength and skill. The name is also related to the Middle Low German word 'geil' that can mean either cheerful or bold.
Gehlert is a very common German name, with an estimated 8,000-10,000 people in Germany bearing the surname. There is evidence to suggest that this surname has been around since the early 1600s.
The Gehlert family motto is "Mutig und Furchtlos”, meaning “Brave and Fearless”, suggesting that this was a family of brave and courageous people.
The Gehlerts were typically from a lower-middle class background and often featured in records as landed peasantry or craftsmen. They could have included farmers, butchers, carpenters and stonemasons.
Overall, the Gehlert name is associated with strength, courage, and skill. It is a name rooted in German history and tradition, with a long line of strong and courageous ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisGehlert: Where does the name Gehlert come from?
The last name Gehlert is most commonly found in Germany and the Netherlands, though there are a few instances of it being found in other countries. Gehlert is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word "geheler," which was used to describe someone who was wealthy or had money. It was also used to describe someone who was from the upper class. It was originally an occupational name, used to indicate someone who was a tax collector or collector of tithes.
In Germany today, the Gehlert surname is most prevalent in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Schleswig-Holstein, and Berlin. The Gehlert surname is also found in the Netherlands and other countries, particularly in immigrant communities. In the United States, the Gehlert surname is most common in Pennsylvania, followed by New York, Ohio, and Michigan. In Canada, the Gehlert surname is most commonly found in Ontario and Alberta.
Overall, the Gehlert surname is not particularly numerous, making up less than 0.001% of the population in Germany and 0.0001% of the population in the US. However, it has a long and interesting history, indicating the families who have held it have a proud and well-established heritage.
Variations of the surname Gehlert
The variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Gehlert are Gehler, Gehle, Gehlertt, Gehlertz, Gehlen, Gehlens, Gehlenz, Gehling, Gehlingen, Gele, Gelen, Geler, Geiler, Geilert, Geilertz, Geilken, Geilkens, Geilkenz, Geels, Gelos, Gelossen, Gelssen, Geils, Geilsen, Geilso, Geilsos, Gelso, Gelsoh, Gelsoe, Geise, Geisen, Gelher, Gelhert, Gellert, Geller, Gellertz, Gellner, Gellners, Gellnerz, and Gellnersen.
Gehlert is a German surname derived from the Middle High German words “gel” and “hert” which mean “light” and “strong”, respectively. Initially, it was used to denote meaning “luminous strength” and likely referred to an individual who was a powerful individual.
Gehlert is commonly found in areas such as Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria, and Czech Republic where the spelling can be different. Common variations include Gehlen, Gelher, Gelert, and Gellner. In Swiss-German, some bearers of the surname have it spelled simply as Gehl.
These variations may have arisen due to the immigrant and emigrant populations. Some individuals may have changed their name during the extensive process of immigration into the United States and Canada, settling into different areas of the world. Alternative spellings emerged from common misspellings by government officials as well as individuals who decided to change their name as they did not want to be identified with their German heritage due to the persecution of German-speaking people during World War II.
Famous people with the name Gehlert
- Boris Gehlert, German rower and 1986 World Champion in eights
- Eike Gehlert, German artist
- Alex Gehlert, German writer and professor
- Robert Gehlert, German professional football player
- Anne Gehlert, German singer and songwriter
- Stefan Gehlert, German Paralympic swimmer
- Kay Gehlert, German evolutionary biologist and professor
- Martin Gehlert, German film director and cameraman
- Christian Gehlert, German novelist and artist
- Anneliese Gehlert, German dancer and choreographer