Surname Gehlsen - Meaning and Origin

Gehlsen: What does the surname Gehlsen mean?

Gehlsen is a German surname derived from the Old High German word ‘gelesen’. Its literal meaning can be interpreted in two ways: either ‘to read’ or ‘to go’. It is thought that the name originated to describe either somebody who was constantly reading or travelling.

The name spread to many countries around Europe, and for centuries was primarily carried by families that lived near small villages. These families were likely subsistence farmers or homemakers, but some branches grew to become larger land-owners, mayors, lawyers, tradesmen, and craftsmen.

The Gehlsen name is still common in Germany, and is also frequently found in the United States, although Americans are more likely to pronounce it homophonically as ‘Gelson’.

The most renowned family member is perhaps author Thomas Gehlsen, who wrote a novel entitled ‘The Drum of the Nuremberg’.

The common thread through all the different branches of the Gehlsen family is a traditional connection with the land. This includes a respect for family, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation of the natural beauty of the German countryside.

Gehlsen: Where does the name Gehlsen come from?

The last name Gehlsen is quite common in Germany today. It is recorded as one of the most frequently occurring family names throughout Germany, with an estimated 6,472 people sharing the name by the end of 2015. It is particularly popular in the northern regions of the country, with the highest concentration being around Hamburg, Bremen, and Lower Saxony. Additionally, the state of Schleswig-Holstein has a significant number of Gehlsen households.

The name is quite rare in other parts of Europe, but is found across the United States. In particular, the states of Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois have strong populations of Gehlsen families. The city of Chicago has the largest concentration in the United States, and other metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco can all be found to have a sizeable population of Gehlsen households.

Given the prevalence of the last name in German-speaking areas, it is likely that the Gehlsen family originally originated from Germany before spreading across the globe. The Gehlsen surname is thought to have derived from a nickname based on an early ancestor's personal characteristics or occupation.

Variations of the surname Gehlsen

The surname Gehlsen comes from the Germanic first name of Gelas, which is derived from the Latin name Gaudiosus, meaning joyful or cheerful. This surname is found in Germany, Austria and Norway.

The variants associated with this surname include Gehl, Gehlmann, Gell, Gelle, Gels, Gelner and Gelms.

The two main German spellings of the surname are Gehlsen and Gehlmann. Gehlsen is mainly found in northern Germany, particularly in the cities of Hamburg and Bremen, while the Gehlmann spelling is more widespread, with roots going back to the southern German states.

In Norway, the variants of the surname include Gel, Grøtel, and Grøtelsæther.

In Austria, common spellings of the surname are Gehl, Gehlman, Gelle, Gels, Gelner and Gelms.

In the United States and Canada, many of the descendants of the immigrant Gelsons have changed the surname to Gelson, Jerryson and Gerison.

The different spellings and surnames of the same origin for the Gehlsen surname reflect the fact that this name has developed from over centuries, with changes made to suit the languages and cultures of different parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Gehlsen

• Phoebe Gehlsen: American pop singer best known for her single “The Struggle”
• William Gehlsen: German professional beach volleyball player
• Erik Gehlsen: former American National Football League player
• Kurt Gehlsen: German artist and sculptor
• Chris Gehlsen: former American professional soccer player
• Debbie Gehlsen: pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
• Marcus Gehlsen: German basketball player
• Erich Gehlsen: German professional ice hockey player
• Michael Gehlsen: American engineer and NASA executive
• Johan Gehlsen: Danish musician and actor

Other surnames

Gehls