Surname Gelder - Meaning and Origin
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Gelder: What does the surname Gelder mean?
The last name Gelder is of German origin and is believed to have been derived from the Middle High German word 'gelter', which means 'tax collector'. Originally, the name was used to describe someone who collected taxes on behalf of the government or a nobleman, although the term can also refer to someone who is a well-respected leader.
Due to its meaning, the surname is associated with a sense of strength and authority. This is reflected in some of the alternative spellings of the name, which include Gunther, Günther, Gundel and Gondolf. As with other German surnames, the name Gelder is often found in records dating back to medieval times, with the earliest known instance of it being a man named Guntherus in 1349.
Throughout the centuries, the Gelder name has been adopted by numerous families across different countries, such as Holland, the United Kingdom and America. Today, it is most commonly associated with Germany and Dutch-speaking areas in Europe, although there are people who bear the name Gelder across the world.
In general, the last name Gelder has been seen as a sign of strength and leadership, especially due to its origin. Its adoption in other cultures has allowed it to become a symbol of respect and admiration.
Order DNA origin analysisGelder: Where does the name Gelder come from?
The last name Gelder is now primarily found in the Netherlands and its former colonial possessions, such as Suriname and Indonesia. This is because the name originated in the region of Gelderland, which was part of the Netherlands. It is also found in areas of Germany and Belgium that were historically part of the same region as Gelderland. In the US, the name can be found among people of Dutch descent or those with roots in Gelderland or the Netherlands. The US data also reveals that among Europeans, the name is most common in the Netherlands and Germany.
In the Netherlands, the Gelder family name is common in specific areas including Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam. The Gelder name is also more prevalent in the cities and towns of Arnhem, Nijmegen, and Zwolle.
In Germany, the name has been most common in the North Rhine-Westphalia area, which was historically part of the Duchy of Gelderland. Berlin and Wiesbaden also have notable populations of people with the Gelder surname.
In Belgium, the last name is most common in East Flanders, Limburg, and West Flanders, the provinces that were closest to the border of the former Duchy of Gelderland.
In Suriname, the Dutch colonized the area in the 1600s and many with the Gelder surname migrated there during this period.
In Indonesia, the Dutch colonized regions such as Java and Sumatra, and therefore the name is common in these areas.
Overall, the Gelder name is found in areas of the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Suriname, and Indonesia, and is mainly concentrated in those regions that were historically part of the Duchy of Gelderland, or to which people from Gelderland migrated.
Variations of the surname Gelder
The surname Gelder is derived from the Middle Dutch word “Gelderen” meaning “waterside.” The name is most common in the Netherlands, but is found throughout Western Europe and the English speaking world.
Gelder is the most common spelling, but other variants include Gelders, Geldherre, Gilder and Gilders. Spellings in English may include Gilder, Jilder, Gilder, Gilderoy and Gildorey.
The Dutch patronymic version of the surname is Gelderman while its variants in English are Gelderman, Gilderman, Gildermann, Gildermen and Gildemans.
In Germany, Gelder is recognizable as a Dutch surname, but German variants include Gelt, Geld, Gelle, Gellet, Gellar, Gelles and Gelders.
There are also several different variations based on country and language, such as Gelderen in Belgium and Gelden, Gelders, Geldermans, Geelers and Gellars in France.
Finally, Gelder has been anglicized in the United States and Canada to Geller, Gillette, Gildee, Gildeh and Gilter.
Overall, Gelder and its variants are found in many countries around the world and have endured for centuries as a surname of casual, endearing, and honorable designation.
Famous people with the name Gelder
- Hans Gelder: German footballer who plated defender for several teams in the Netherlands.
- John Gelder: English composer, conductor, and pianist.
- Sjoerd Gelder: Dutch professional footballer who currently plats for Go Ahead Eagles.
- Annette Gelder: American publicist and professional speaker.
- Emiel Gelder: Dutch pop singer-songwriter.
- Paul Gelder: English professional cricketer who played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
- Graeme Gelder: Australian sprint canoer who competed in the early 1960s.
- Chris Gelder: British stage, film, and television actor.
- Hajo Gelder: Dutch vocalist and contemporary folk musician.
- Piet Gelder: Dutch-West Indian sculptor, painter, and graphic artist.