Surname Gierat - Meaning and Origin

Gierat: What does the surname Gierat mean?

The last name Gierat is derived from the Polish language and holds several different potential meanings. Some of these meanings include “hare”, “quarrelsome”, and “spear-frightened”, which point to an older tribal history of the people who bear this name. As with many last names, the Gierat family history and origin story is often lost in the mists of time, but it is believed to originate from a small area in Poland known as Silesia.

The Gierat surname was first found in the region, as early records indicate the presence of this family during the mid-16th century. Since then, the Gierat family has been present in Poland and other Central European countries, possibly linking them to older tribes or clans from the region.

Throughout the centuries, the Gierat family has spread to many countries and the surname is now found in Australia, the United States, and Canada. The members of this family have been successful in their pursuits, contributing to the cultural, political, and economic life of many nations.

In summary, the Gierat family name is believed to have its origins in Poland and represents a long history of success and connection to their ancestors. Theirs is an ancient, noble connection to the past that has enabled them to remain linked to their traditions and heritage throughout the centuries.

Gierat: Where does the name Gierat come from?

The last name Gierat is most common today in Poland. It ranks 7678 in popularity, with over 3,000 people having the name. It is most likely derived from the Polish word "gieralt", which translates to "manly protector". This suggests the name is associated with defence and strength.

In terms of geographical spread, Gierat is concentrated in the southern, south-west and north-west regions of Poland. The highest concentration can be found in the southwest; particularly the Masovian, Opole, Lower Silesian, Pomeranian and Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeships.

Gierat is also found in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Belarus, Romania, Latvia and Azerbaijan. This suggests the surname is shared among many who have emigrated or have strong links with the countries mentioned.

Gierat can also be found in the US and Canada but it is not as commonly encountered. Particularly in the US, it may be a variant of the surname 'Gerat' which is derived from the French word 'ger', meaning 'spear'. This is unsurprising, due to the substantial numbers of Polish immigrants that settled in parts of North America such as Chicago and New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variations of the surname Gierat

The surname Gierat is an old Polish name originating from the name Giera, which is derived from the Slavic word for hunter. The most common variants and spellings of the name Gierat include Gierata, Gieratz, Gyrat, and Gyrata. In some cases, the name Gierat has been Anglicized to Gerat, Gerata, Geraty, or Geratycz. The surname Gierat is also connected to other surnames such as Gierach, Gieracki, Gieracz, Gieras and Gierko. It was not uncommon for families in Poland to have multiple surnames, so families with one of the above-mentioned surnames could actually be related to a family with the Gierat surname.

The Gierat surname is associated with the region of Southern Poland that was part of the former Kingdom of Prussia. This region is noted for its cultural background and the Gierat surname is particularly associated with the rural population of the area. This surname is found mostly in Central and Eastern parts of Europe, with a significant number in the United States.

The surname Gierat is often found in various records across Poland including censuses, parish records, court documents, military records and property records. It is present in works of literature, from religious scripture to travel journals. The Gierat family has always been distinguished and highly respected in Polish society. As such, many monuments in Polish cities bear the Gierat name in honor of its outstanding members.

Famous people with the name Gierat

• Claus-Axel Gierat: a German equestrian athlete and Olympian
• Eric Gierat: a retired defensive lineman who played in the NFL from 1975-1977
• Andrea Gierat: a German judoka and Olympic silver medallist
• Paul Gierat: Canadian sports official and referee for the CFL and CFL Alumni
• Mike Gierat: an American football coach and currently the defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts
• Robert Gierat: a former Australian rules footballer who played in the Australian Football League
• Jacob Gierat: Austrian pianist and associate professor of piano at the Salzburg
• Andreas Gierat: a former Austrian alpine ski racer
• David Gierat: German professional ice hockey player and coach
• Sabien Gierat: Canadian rotation touring artist and founder of theSabien Gierat Music Education Group.

Other surnames

GierardGierathGieraths