Surname Gehreke - Meaning and Origin
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Gehreke: What does the surname Gehreke mean?
The last name Gehreke is roots in Germanic origin. It is a topographic surname which was given to someone who lived by or on a gehreke, which was a type of ridge associated with hilly terrain. The name itself is derived from a combination of the words "gehra" which means "ridge" and "ke" which means "edge" or "corner".
The earliest written record of the Gehreke name dates back to 1692 when it was mentioned in an estate document in the County of Rheinland in Germany. It is believed that the Gehreke family originated in what is now the modern-day state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Gehreke name was later brought to the United States by German immigrants in the mid-19th century when the country was seeking new citizens to inhabit the newly acquired territories. Many of these immigrants settled in states such as Ohio, Wisconsin, and New York and thus the name has spread throughout these states as well.
The meaning of the name Gehreke has been preserved throughout its history and continues to denote someone who lives on or by a ridge-like landscape. It is a nice reminder of the geography of Germany and its occupants, and the history behind the name is an important part of the identity of those who carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisGehreke: Where does the name Gehreke come from?
The last name Gehreke is primarily found in Germany. It is one of the oldest known German surnames, dating back to medieval times. The surname is most commonly found in the Sauerland region of Germany, which encompasses the states of North Rhine Westphalia, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also found in areas of France bordering the Sauerland region, particularly the regions of Lorraine and Alsace. The most dense concentrations of the surname are found in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The surname Gehreke is derived from a Middle High German word meaning ‘rian’ or ‘ground’. This indicates that its first bearers were most likely found in farming communities or held some sort of land tenure. In more modern times it is associated with a place in Eastern Westphalia called Gerhreck.
The most famous bearer of the last name Gehreke is probably actor Hans Veral von Gehreke, who played a role in the first German motion picture in 1913. Today there are several thousand people bearing the last name Gehreke, with a significant majority of them living in Germany.
Variations of the surname Gehreke
The Gehreke surname has several variants, spellings, and derivatives. Variants and spellings include Gehreck, Gehrecken, Guerreke, and Guorek.
The surname Gehreke originated in Europe, likely the German-speaking region. The Gehreke spelling is also found in the Netherlands, where the surname is commonly spelled Gijssereke.
The name is derived from the German word “geh”, which translates to “walk”, “move”, or “go”. The suffix “reke” translates to “little” or “very strong”, which gives the meaning “walk strong”, with a connotation of brave and determined.
The Gehreke surname is also present in Austria, where it is often spelled Gehrke. In Switzerland, the surname is spelled Gerke.
The surname Gehreke is also present in England, usually spelled Gearke. The English variant likely derives from the Low German form of the surname, which isAkerke or Akerk.
In addition to these variants, the Gehreke surname is also found in the United States, usually as Garke or Gurke. The American versions are likely derived from immigration in the late 1800s and 1900s.
Derivatives of the Gehreke surname include Harke, Harks, Harcks, Hertz, Harcs, and Hertsch.
The surname Gehreke also has several patronymic variations, including Gehreck, Gehrecken, Huerreck, and Huerrecken, as well as surnames derived from regions, such as Gehrke from Austria and Gerke from Switzerland.
Famous people with the name Gehreke
- Chris Gehrke, a famous American musician and singer.
- John Gehrke, a Dutch artist famous for his post-Impressionist paintings.
- Zachary Gehrke, an American author and lecturer.
- Rolf Gehrke, a German Olympic fencer.
- Robert Gehrke, a Swiss ski jumper.
- Ricky Gehrke, a German footballer.
- Sidney Gehrke, an American road racing and motorsports enthusiast.
- Stephanie Gehreke, an American actress.
- Karl Gehrke, a German aeronautical engineer.
- Janet Gehreke, an American painter and educator.