Surname Gericke - Meaning and Origin
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Unanticipated Discoveries: Tracing Back the Gericke Lineage Through My iGENEA DNA Test
By game of chance, we do not choose our names - given or surnames. They are passed down generations, enfolding in them the rich tapestry of our ancestry and hidden truths about our origins. Curiosity about these concealed narratives inspired my journey through the iGENEA DNA test, illuminating surprises and unexpected turns about my surname, Gericke.
H. Gericke
read moreGericke: What does the surname Gericke mean?
The last name Gericke is a German surname which has its origin in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Middle Low German word "gérgerike" which itself originates from the Old High German word for 'spear-play' or 'dueling'. It was a common surname adopted by people who lived in the area of East Prussia and Germans that migrated to other countries.
Gericke is an occupational surname, given to people who trained in the use of the spear. It refers to an experienced warrior, tactics, and strategy. In the medieval period, noblemen would use a spear while dueling or in hunts for wild game with the help of their loyal dogs.
The name Gericke also has religious origins. Gericke is a variant of Gereon, an early martyr who followed the teachings of Christianity during a time of persecution. The name Gericke literally translates to 'one who defends/protects'. Other variants of the name are Gerard, Gerhardt, and Gereon.
Today, the name Gericke is most commonly seen in Germany, Denmark, and Poland. It is also found in other countries, with some people in the United States and the Netherlands carrying the name Gericke. People with this name have a reputation for being strong-willed and determined to succeed in life.
Order DNA origin analysisGericke: Where does the name Gericke come from?
The last name Gericke is most commonly found in Germany, particularly in the western and central regions of the country, where it is one of the top 400 surnames. It is also present in other parts of Europe, including Denmark, The Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, and Sweden.
The name is derived from the Germanic personal name Gerich, which originated in the late first millennium from the old Germanic god Ger or Gerio, and is composed of the elements ger (spear) and ric (power). In the Middle Ages, Gericke referred to a holder of weapons, specifically a spear.
The surname is also found in the United States, especially in the states of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois, which have historically had strong ties with German immigrants. It is also common in Brazil, where most of the immigrants were of German ancestry.
In the United States, the name Gericke is ranked at 3,335th in popularity for contemporary areas. In Mexico and Brazil, it is the 766th and 2,066th most common name, respectively. In Germany, it is the 335th most common name.
Variations of the surname Gericke
The surname Gericke has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common spellings are Gerick, Geric, Gerich, and Gerickes. Other variations include Garic, Gerrich, Gerrig, Geyrig, Gering, Gerreng, Geringer, Gerenger, Garet, Gerricke, Gerrichs, Gerricks, and Gersich.
The German form of the name is Gehricke or Giegerichs, while the Dutch form is Gerrits, Gerris, or Geerits. German-enriched regions, such as Austria, Hungary, and parts of Switzerland, also have variations such as Gehring, Garig, Gering, Giehrling, and Geringer. In Poland, the Gericke surname is pronounced “Gerchish.”
In Scandinavia, the name is often found spelled as Gerichsen, Gerichs, Gerkef, Gierkes, Gerich, Gierg, Gierges, or Gergaards, while Scandinavian-American families sometimes spell it Gehrke or Gehricke.
In Scandinavian cultures, the first letter of each name is capitalized, while in German-speaking cultures, only the first letter of the surname is capitalized.
The Italian Gericke surname is spelled Gericco, Gerico, Gerecco, Gerecchi, Gericchi, Gerecci, and Gereccio, while in Greece, the spelling is Gieris.
In France, the name is often spelled Garech, Guyeche, Gireche, Guerich, Geric, or and Geary.
In the United States and Canada, the name is often found spelled Gierisch, Gehrke, Gerryck, Geercke, Geerckes, Garick, Gericke, Geringer, and Geericks.
Famous people with the name Gericke
- Felix Gericke: German international football player
- Arndt Gericke: Former Olympic swimmer
- Heike Gericke: German actor and voiceover artist
- Jenny Gericke: American film and television production designer
- Johannes Gericke: South African cricket umpire
- Marius Gericke: Professional tennis player from South Africa
- Reinhold Gericke: German former footballer
- Teboho Gericke: South African professional soccer player
- Willem Gericke: Dutch Painter from the 1700s
- Zeger Gericke: Dutch sculptor