Surname Gehrs - Meaning and Origin
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Gehrs: What does the surname Gehrs mean?
The last name Gehrs is of German origin, and the earliest known records of its use can be found from the eighteenth century. The meaning of the name is believed to be related to the German word ‘Gehre’ which can mean an area of land that is harvested, or a boundary fence. As such, it is likely that the early known bearers of the name Gehrs were either farmers or landowners.
The Gehrs name is also found in other countries, such as Sweden and France. In Sweden, the name is believed to have descended from an old Swedish name given to people with an occupation relating to fire.
The name Gehrs can be found throughout the United States where it is most commonly used in Pennsylvania and Ohio. This name is also commonly found in Canada, where it is most popular in the areas of Alberta and British Columbia.
There are many spellings for this name, but the most common forms are Gehrs, Gerhrs, Gerrs, and Gyrs. This family name may also have developed regional variations in spelling during its travels across the world.
Overall, the name Gehrs has Germanic roots and has likely evolved over the years as those with the surname have moved around the world. It is likely that, although the surname is found in different countries, most of the original bearers were from Germany.
Order DNA origin analysisGehrs: Where does the name Gehrs come from?
The last name Gehrs is most commonly found in areas with German or Dutch history or heritage. These include countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
In the United States, the most common home of the Gehrs surname is in Pennsylvania, with a concentration of the most common spelling Gersh or Gerch found in Lancaster, Berks, and Lehigh counties, as well as the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Other states with a smaller number of Gehrs family members include Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio.
In Canada, Gehrs can be found in Alberta and Saskatchewan, likely as a result of German immigrants who moved to the country in the late 1800s.
In Europe, Gehrs is found in its highest numbers in Germany, concentrated in the regions of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony. The Gehrs family can also be found in Austria, especially the state of Steiermark in the east, as well as smaller numbers in Flemish-speaking regions of Belgium and Luxembourg.
In the Netherlands, the Gehrs family name is most frequently found in the provinces of Drenthe, Friesland, and Gelderland.
Given its German or Dutch origins, the last name Gehrs is most commonly found today in German-speaking and Dutch-speaking regions of the world, as well as countries, such as the United States and Canada, where those of German or Dutch heritage have migrated.
Variations of the surname Gehrs
The surname Gehrs is of German origin and derives from an old given name meaning "spear". This surname is also known by different spellings and variants, including Gehr, Gehrke, Gehrek, Gehrecke, Gehrig, Gehring, Gehres, Gehrs, Gehrmann, Gers, Gehrts, and Gerse.
The basic spelling of "Gehrs" appeared in records during the 13th century, with the variants and other spellings of the surname appearing throughout the years in different countries and regions.
The variant spelling of "Gehr", dating back to the 15th century, can be found in Germany. The variant spelling of "Gehrke" arose in the Prussian region during this same time period.
The variants of "Gehrek" and "Gehrig" are also derived from the German language, but both of these spellings date back to the 16th century.
The variant spelling of "Gehring" is believed to have arisen in the region of Hesse during the 15th century.
Meanwhile, the variant spelling of "Gehres" derives from a Westphalia location and dates back to the 16th century.
The variants of "Gehrmann" and "Gers" are believed to have come from Bremen, dating back to the 16th century.
The variant spelling of "Gehrts" is also believed to have originated in the Westphalia region and dates back to the 15th century.
Finally, the variant spelling of "Gerse" is believed to have come from Brandenburg during the same time period.
Overall, the surname Gehrs is diverse and has a long, rich history. It has been used by individuals living in various regions during various time periods and is known by its various spellings and variants.
Famous people with the name Gehrs
- Joey Gehrs: An American professional snowboarder who won the X Games slopestyle event in 2001 and competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
- Witch Gehrs: A singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Wisconsin.
- Evan Gehrs: A professional team roper, six time winner of the United States Team Roping Championships.
- Brad Gehrs: A former NHL goaltender who played from 1994 to 2008.
- Abbie Gehrs: A NASCAR driver who competed in the 2018 season for the Gildan 500 Monster Energy Cup Series.
- Linda Gehrs: A professional basketball player who played for the Minnesota Lynx and the Las Vegas Aces.
- Alan Gehrs: A former Major League Baseball pitcher who played in the early 1980s.
- Kris Gehrs: An American road racing cyclist and former triathlete.
- Mercedes Gehrs: A former professional beach volleyball player, two-time Olympian for the United States (2000 and 2004).
- Beth Gehrs: An American film and television actress, known for appearances on shows such as Law & Order and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.