Surname Gevatter - Meaning and Origin
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Gevatter: What does the surname Gevatter mean?
Gevatter is a German surname typically originating from the Rhineland region of Germany. It is derived from the German word gevatter, which literally translates as "godfather." The surname is thought to have been used in the Middle Ages to refer to individuals who had been designated as the child's godfather or godmother at Christenings. As such, it was an honorary title given to individuals who served as witnesses at the baptism and may have indicated that the bearer of the surname was of some importance in their local community.
Over time, the Gevatter surname would become an hereditary name, passed down through the generations. For example, some families opted to change their name to Gevatter in the Middle Ages when they wanted to break away from their serfdom as a show of strength and solidarity to other family members.
The origin of the Gevatter surname has also been linked to another German phrase, “Gevatter Tod”, which translates as "Godfather Death". This phrase is believed to be used to describe extremely dangerous tasks, and those who undertook them are thought to have taken the name in order to mark their bravery and courage.
Today, the Gevatter surname can still be found primarily in Germany, as well as in some parts of the United States, where German immigrants with this surname settled. It is not a particularly common name, but those who bear it can be proud of its rich history and deep origins.
Order DNA origin analysisGevatter: Where does the name Gevatter come from?
The last name "Gevatter" is most common throughout central and eastern Europe, particularly in countries including Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Switzerland. It is, however, becoming increasingly popular in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It is believed to be an occupational surname, likely derived from the German word “gebakter”, which means “baker”, and it was given to individuals who worked as bakers. The name may also have Jewish origins, with records showing that it is more prevalent in smaller Jewish communities. It is sometimes also spelled as "Gebéter", "Gebaeter", and "Gebetter", all of which originate from the same source.
Despite its popularity in Europe, the Gevatter family name has not been around for very long. Records of the name in its various forms first appear around the 1500s in the records of northern European countries. However, there is evidence that some of the individuals who bore the Gevatter name in the 1500s were of Spanish or Italian origin. This suggests that the Gevatter surname is more widespread throughout Europe than was originally thought.
Today, the Gevatter surname is rarely used, as its popularity has declined over the years. It is estimated that there are less than 500 individuals in the world who bear the Gevatter name, with most of the population located in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Variations of the surname Gevatter
Gevatter is a German surnames. It is an occupational name for a godfather. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Gevatter are listed below.
Gevatter: The original spelling of the surname. It is derived from the German words "gebretter" or "gepatre" which means godfather, or the sponsor in a Christianity baptism ceremony.
Gevätter: An alternate spelling of the surname.
Gebätter: Another alternate spelling of the surname.
Gepätter: One more alternate spelling of the surname.
Gevatte: Part of the spelling of the surname which was commonly used by immigrants to the United States.
Gevatterman/Gevattermen/Gevattermann/Gevattermann/Gevattermanne: Different spellings of the surname, all of which are derived from the original form Gevatter.
Gevattermeyer: This surname is derived from the original form and is commonly found in North America.
Gebeteter: The mutation of the original surname form which is used by some families.
Gebaetter: An alternate spelling of the original surname form.
Gevattere: The original German spelling of the surname.
Gebeter: A form of the original surname which is sometimes used by members of a particular family.
Gottfried: The given name associated with the surname which means "God’s peace".
Gottlieb: Another given name associated with the surname which means "beloved of God."
Göttler: A German surname which is derived from the original Gevatter.
Göttner: Another German surname which is derived from the original Gevatter.
Götter: A surname derived from the given name Gottfried which is associated with the original Gevatter surname form.
All of these variants, spellings and surnames are derived from the original German surname Gevatter. They are all used by members of particular families to differentiate themselves from other families or members of the same surname. They can provide a better understanding of the family history and your own personal history.
Famous people with the name Gevatter
- Henry Gevatter: a German a stage and film actor who works mainly in Scandinavia.
- Oren Gevatter: an American actor, known for his roles in Hairspray (2007) and Step Brothers (2008).
- Maurice Gevatter: a French architect and sculptor.
- John Gevatter, Jr.: a Mexican actor and comedian, best known for his roles in films such as Jackass 3.5 (2011).
- Theresa Gevatter: an Austrian actor, mostly known for her television roles in series such as Tatort (1991).
- Hermann Gevatter: an Austrian composer and conductor, best known for his operas.
- Sascha Gevatter: a Swiss film composer and producer.
- Bill Gevatter: an American baseball player.
- Otto Gevatter: a German jurist and writer.
- Peter Gevatter: a Dutch philosopher and theologian.