Surname Gierl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Gierl: What does the surname Gierl mean?
The last name Gierl is of German origin. The given name Gierl or its variants Gierlach, Giral, and Gierlinski, is derived from the German word gier meaning “greedy” or “avaricious”. As such, it was likely originally used as a nickname for someone with a notably acquisitive or stingy demeanor.
From its German roots, the surname Gierl spread to other parts of Europe during the Middle Ages but would not make its way to America until the 19th century. During this time, many Germans, Poles, and other Eastern Europeans immigrated to America, carrying with them the Gierl name.
Today, Gierl is most common in America, with people carrying the surname living in nearly every state. In the US census, the most populous regions with Gierl are Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. It is less common in Europe, where it remains concentrated in German-speaking areas of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The Gierl name carries a unique history and story, associated with German culture and with the bravery and struggles faced by immigrants during their journeys to America. Those who carry the Gierl name may take pride in this past and celebrate the determined spirit of their ancestors, who persevered and adapted in search of a better life.
Order DNA origin analysisGierl: Where does the name Gierl come from?
The last name Gierl is most common today in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is also found in other European countries such as Poland, Denmark, France, and Italy.
In Austria, Gierl is the 42nd most popular family name. It is estimated that there are over 11,052 individuals with the last name Gierl living in the country. The region of Lower Austria has the highest number of people with the surname Gierl. This popularity could be due to the large concentration of citizens in the area, as the regions are in close proximity to major cities such as Vienna and Linz.
In Germany, Gierl is the 393rd most common family name. It is estimated that there are over 12,093 individuals with the last name living in the country. The region of Brandenburg is known for having the highest concentration of Gierl's living there.
In Switzerland, Gierl is the 1,304th most common family name. It is estimated that there are slightly over 500 individuals with the last name Gierl living in the country. The region of Argovia had the highest concentration of Gierl's living there.
Despite the fact that the last name Gierl is most common in Europe, there are individuals bearing the name living in the United States, Canada, and other e parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Gierl
The surname Gierl is of German origin and has several variants and spellings. The most common, according to the House of Names website, are Gierl, Gierle, Gierlich, Gierling and Gierlinger. The surname likely originated in an area from the Rhineland in western Germany and means "officer" or "freeman".
The spelling Gierl is found in the southern parts of Germany, Austria and Czech Republic and has also appeared in the United States since the 19th century. Gierle is a variation also found in western Germany and in Switzerland, and is sometimes anglicized to Garly.
Gierlich is the most common variant of the name in western Germany and Switzerland, and may be anglicized to Gerlich. Gierling is found most often in the eastern parts of Germany and in Eastern Europe and may be anglicized to Gerling. Gierlinger is more commonly found in Austria and may be anglicized to Gerlinger.
Another variation that has spread to other parts of Europe and beyond is Gierlach, also anglicized to Gerlach. Variations of the name have also been found in areas such as Scandinavia, France, and the Netherlands.
The Gierl surname has been common amongst several prominent European families, and has led to other surname variations such as Gierlichs, Gierloff, Giersberg, Gierse, and Giervink. Many of the surnames have recognizable alternate versions, such as Gierle being anglicized to Garly and Gierlich to Gerlich.
Famous people with the name Gierl
- Erin Gierl, American child actress
- David Gierl, German hurdler
- Phillip Gierl, former German skier
- Sebastian Gierl, German sports journalist
- Nathalie Gierl, Austrian actress
- Johann Gierl, Austrian composer
- Arnold Gierl, Austrian actor
- Georg Gierl, former German speed skater
- Carsten Gierl, German bobsleigh driver
- Nicole Gierl, German swimmer
- Thomas Gierl, former German athlete
- Lena Gierl, German bobsleigh coach