Surname Gierlach - Meaning and Origin
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Gierlach: What does the surname Gierlach mean?
The surname Gierlach is an old Polish name that has been handed down through generations. It is believed that the name originated from the name “Jur” or “Juraj” which was common among old Slavic nobility and means “strong” or “brave”. The name may have also been derived from the old Germanic element “gari” which means “spear”.
Over time, descendants of this initial group scattered throughout Poland and the surname Gierlach has evolved into various forms, including the common Gerlach. The surname remains common throughout Poland today, often linked to noble families.
The name is most commonly given either as a first or last name. People with this surname may be referred to as “Gierlach”, “Gerlach”, or “Gerlat”. It is common for those with this surname to be of a proud, determined, and stubborn nature.
The Gierlach surname has been used in many variations, and can be found in many different countries throughout the world, including the United States. One of the most well-known examples of a Gierlach is the former Prime Minister of Poland Włodzimierz Gierlach, who served in the position from 1993 to 1995.
Order DNA origin analysisGierlach: Where does the name Gierlach come from?
The surname Gierlach can be found in present day mainly in areas that were formerly part of the German-speaking part of Europe. It is most commonly found in countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, throughout Northern and Central Europe.
The last name Gierlach can also be found in parts of Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. It is thought to originate from the old German word “Gier”, meaning “prey”, and “loch”, meaning “lake” or “pond”. This suggests that it was once used as a name for a place that contained a body of water where animals were caught to be eaten.
In North America, Gierlach is most notably found in parts of the United States, particularly Pennsylvania, where a large wave of German immigrants settled in the 1700s and 1800s. The last name can also be found in areas of Canada, especially in regions that were settled by German immigrants in search of new opportunities and a new way of life.
As such, the last name Gierlach is still common today in both Europe and North America, enjoyed by many descendants of the original bearers of the name who crossed oceans and continents in search of a better life.
Variations of the surname Gierlach
The surname Gierlach, which is of German origin, has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants of this surname include Gierlich, Gierling and Geerlach. Variants of the spelling include Gierrlach, Gerlach, Gierrlick and even G door ellach. Variations of the surname include Gellich, Gierlich, Gierlick, Gierleck, Gerlick and Gelich.
Surnames of German origin with similar meanings include Goerlitz, Goeritz, Goerlich, Gurlitz, Gurlach, Gehrlich, Gerlitz, Gurlacher and Gurlacher. German variants of the surname include Gorlach, Gurlack, Gul, Gurlick, Gurlacz and Gurlik.
Other surnames of German origin related to Gierlach include Gerrlich, Gerlach, Gerkens, Gerkli, Gerl, Gerickle, Gierlech, Gierlek and Gierlich. Variations of the original spelling of Gierlach include Gurlak, Gyerk, Gierke, Gorlich, Goyrlach and Gorlitz.
Alternative spellings and surnames of German origin with similar or related meanings include Gorlick, Gurlach, Gurlak, Garlich, Gierkin, Geerlich, Jerlach, Gerlick, Gurlick, Gerlacz, Girlich and Girklic. Variations in spelling can also include Gerelack, Gereleck and Goerlic.
Famous people with the name Gierlach
- James Gierlach: Former American professional baseball player
- Bob Gierlach: Host of the radio show 'Out of the Woods'
- Linda Gierlach: American artist and art professor
- Frank Gierlach: German ice hockey player
- Darius Gierlach: Polish actor
- Max Gierlach: Austrian bobsledder
- Stan Gierlach: Canadian actor
- Keith Gierlach: British physicist
- Marsha Gierlach: American actor
- Robert Gierlach: Polish judge and politician