Surname Gehrlein - Meaning and Origin

Gehrlein: What does the surname Gehrlein mean?

Gehrlein is a German surname derived from the Middle High German gerl, meaning “farmhand”. The surname is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname for someone who worked on a farm, most likely a hired laborer.

Today, the surname is commonly found in Germany and certain parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. Those bearing the name are generally of Germanic descent and their cultural roots remain rooted in German culture and traditions.

The surname Gehrlein has taken on some variations over the years. It is sometimes spelled Gehring or Gerlein, and may also include the prefixes “von” or “zum”, but the most common spelling remains Gehrlein.

Overall, it is an uncommon surname, and those bearing it are generally proud of their Germanic heritage and cultural traditions. The name is steeped in a rich history, and is a reminder of a bygone era. Its meaning has endured over centuries, providing those who bear it with a sense of tradition and identity which can be passed down from generation to generation.

Gehrlein: Where does the name Gehrlein come from?

The last name Gehrlein is primarily found in Germany. The name is of German origin from the Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg regions of the country. As of 2018, it was most commonly found in the region of Solingen-Wuppertal in North Rhine-Westphalia. Gehrlein is also found in other parts of Europe and a small population of the name resides in the United States.

In Germany, Gehrlein is a fairly common name, ranking among the 5,530th most common German surnames. It comes from the old German language and is considered a noble name that originated in the area around Bremen and Oldenburg in the pre-Medieval period. The Gehrlein name translates to 'the wild son of herb' and, according to some sources, refers to a person who was given the name by their family because they acted wild or spunky.

Gehrlein's today can be found living in Germany, Sweden, Norway, the United States, Canada and other parts of the world. The name can be seen on many German genealogical websites and there are also numerous websites dedicated to people with the last name Gehrlein.

Variations of the surname Gehrlein

Gehrlein is a surname of German origins. It can be spelled in multiple ways such as Gahrlein, Gehhrlein, and Gaehrlein. It is also commonly seen spelled as Gerlein or Gerhlein. This name can be further modified when anglicized, leading to variations such as Garline, Gahrline, and Garlyn.

The alternate surnames of Gehrlein can be varied and divided by family and location. In Austria and Bavarian areas the similar sounding Göhrlein is often used, while in some parts of Switzerland the spelling Garrlein is seen. In the United States the surnames Garlin or Garlen are often seen.

Gehrlein is also a common nickname in Germany, meaning a 'small spear' and is sometimes used as a first name. The names Gerlin and Gerling are derived from this nickname as well. Other variants include Garling, Garline, Gerleen, and Gerline, which are all derived from a deformation from the original spelling of Gehrlein.

Other similar surnames that have similar origins and spellings of Gehrlein include Garlein, Garlyne, Gerlyne, and Garleen, which are all derived from the same name.

In all, the surnames and spellings related to Gehrlein vary depending on the time period and area of origin. The surname could be slightly varied depending on anglicization or different language influences. However, all of these variants are derived from the same source.

Famous people with the name Gehrlein

• Kevin Gehrlein: a professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball from 1985-1989.
• Mark Gehrlein: a retired German ice hockey player who played in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga from 1994-2005.
• Bela Gehrlein: a prominent German actress who appeared in more than 30 films between 1957 and 1989.
• Stefan Gehrlein: a German football player. He has played for the Bayern Munich reserve team and other teams since 2006.
• Martin Gehrlein: a former German racing driver who won the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft in 1997 and 1998.
• Horst Gehrlein: a German former figure skater and trainer who competed from 1966 to 1968.
• Luise Gehrlein: a German curler who represented her country in the 2006 World Junior Curling Championships.
• Carsten Gehrlein: a German actor known for his roles in the films Horizon: Beyond the Veil (1998) and Der Patriot (1996).
• Lisa Gehrlein: a German volleyball player who played for the German national team from 1986 to 1994.
• Richard Gehrlein: German musician and composer. He has composed over 50 pieces of instrumental music.

Other surnames

Gehrle