Surname Geilfuß - Meaning and Origin

Geilfuß: What does the surname Geilfuß mean?

The last name Geilfuß is a German surname which can be roughly translated to mean “nimble foot” or “agile foot”. It likely originated in Bavaria and is generally associated with the region. The meaning of the name suggests a family or individual that is noted for their speed and agility.

Regardless of its origin, the last name Geilfuß appears to have been an infrequently used name until the 19th century when it started to appear in shipping records, manifestos, and other documents. This suggests the name gained use as people began to move away from their small towns and villages and migrate in search of new opportunities.

The meaning of the name Geilfuß goes beyond simply referring to someone’s physical agility. It can also symbolize a figurative agility, perhaps referring to a quick wit, sharp intellect, or the ability to outmaneuver one’s adversaries.

Regardless of its origin, the last name Geilfuß still carries a great deal of significance for descendants of the original originators. It can be a powerful reminder of the courage and resourcefulness that their ancestors possessed to uproot their lives and migrate in search of a better future.

Geilfuß: Where does the name Geilfuß come from?

The surname Geilfuß is a German surname which is still most commonly associated with Germany today. Geilfuß means "lust for feet" in German, so the surname likely originated as an occupational name for a shoemaker, cobbler, or peddler who specifically made or sold footwear.

The surname is still found across Germany and many families of German descent still carry the surname. It can also be found in other parts of Europe, as well as amongst German-speaking communities in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the Geilfuß surname is most commonly found in the Midwest, in particular locations such as Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Tracing the family tree, the first record of the name Geilfuß dates back to 1575, when a Margaretha Geilfuß of Geisenheim, Germany was recorded in the church records. Other early records of the name include Moritz Geilfuß, who was born in 1613 in Laudenbach, Germany, and Hans Wilhelm Geilfuß who was born in 1699 in Altenkirchen, Germany.

Today, the Geilfuß surname is still a relatively common one amongst German families, and can also be found amongst the German-speaking communities in the United States, Canada and Australia. Geilfuß is a unique and interesting surname with an intriguing origin story that connects it to its German roots.

Variations of the surname Geilfuß

Geilfuß is a German surname with varied spelling options. Some of the commonly seen spelling variants of Geilfuß are Geilfuss, Geilfusser, Geilfues, Geilfuhs, Geilfuhser, Geliffuss, Geliffues, Geliffus, Geliffhus, Geliffuhs, and Gilfus.

Geilfuß has also been anglicized to Gaylfuss or Gelifuss. In some cases, the surname is written as Guylfuss or Goylfuss.

The surname Geilfuß is usually derived from Geil-, meaning "gallant, merry, joyous, sportive, boisterous," and Fuß, which translates to "foot." So, Geilfuß essentially means "merry foot" or "boisterous foot."

In addition to the variants of Geilfuß, it is also found with other surnames such as Gelphus, Gelfus, Geilert, Gelfer, Gelphusen, Gelfert, Gelfauß, Gelfen, Völker, Geilfusser, Momberg and Voigt.

Common derivative surnames include Geilfußer, Gelfußer, Gelfender, Gellfußer, Geilfusser, Gelpfußer, Gelfenstetter, Gelfert, Gelfenz, Gelfenbünger, Gelfert, Gelfenstein, Gelfensteiner, Gelfensteller and Gelföther.

These derivatives are generally found in Germany, particularly Bavaria and Thuringia. Some of the more common variants of this surname are found in Switzerland, especially in the Canton of Basel-LAND.

The Geilfuß surname was also used in the American colonial era, primarily by Protestant German emigrants. It was anglicized as Gaylfuss, Gelifuss or Guylfuss.

Famous people with the name Geilfuß

• Jennifer Geilfuss: German football midfielder from VfL Wolfsburg Women.
• Monika Geilfuss: German actress and theatre director.
• Uwe Geilfuss: German footballer who played for the internationally known German club FSV Mainz 05.
• Mark Geilfuss: German cameraman, film editor and scriptwriter.
• Charles Geilfuss: Austrian physicist and scientist who worked on the development of instrumentation used in modern physics.
• Ann Geilfuss: Austrian actor best known for her role in the television series Die schwarze Flöte.
• Gunter Geilfuss: German politician and Member of the European Parliament from 1982 to 1993.
• Dr. Peter Geilfuss: German physicist and expert in nuclear weapon maintenance and disarmament.
• Alfred Geilfuss: Austrian actor and composer known for his performances in cabaret theater.
• Frank Geilfuss: German musician and composer specialising in film soundtracks and electronic music production.

Other surnames

GeilfuhsGeilfus