Surname Gerhards - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Unravelling My Ancestry: A Personal Journey Through the iGENEA DNA Test and Discovering the Gerhards Surname
Embark on a journey of self-discovery as I unravel my ancestry and the rich history of the Gerhards surname through my experience with the iGENEA DNA test. From insightful results to global connections, my exploration into the world of genetics is a riveting tale of lineage and self-realisation.
Z. Gerhards
read moreGerhards: What does the surname Gerhards mean?
The last name Gerhards is of German origin and is derived from the given name Gerhard, which is composed of two elements: ger, which means ‘spear’, and hard, which means ‘brave’ or ‘hardy’. It is believed that the surname originated from a particular individual who was known for their bravery and prowess in battle.
The surname Gerhards is found particularly in northwest Germany, in the historical regions of the Rhineland, Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. It was originally derived from a personal name, Gerhard, meaning “strong with a spear” or “hard brave warrior” in German.
The given name Gerhard became popular after St. Gerhard of Regensberg (born in 1093 AD) became bishop of the diocese of Regensburg in Bavaria. The name spread and became popular across Europe, especially in Germany and Scandinavia. As a result, the surname Gerhard became popular as well and is still well-known and used today.
In addition, the name Gerhards is found concentrated in various countries, predominantly in Germany, but also in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Australia.
Overall, the surname Gerhards refers to a hard-working, brave person and is thought to have originated from a particular notable individual or a series of individuals from the area of northwest Germany. Its popularity today can be directly attributed to the respect and admiration given to the courageous Gerhards individuals of the past.
Order DNA origin analysisGerhards: Where does the name Gerhards come from?
The last name Gerhards is quite common throughout Europe today. It is especially popular in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. In Germany, some of the most populous regions for the last name include North Rhine-Westphalia, Schleswig-Holstein, Bavaria, and Lower Saxony.
In Austria, the most densely populated area for Gerhards is the state of Styria. There, the name is especially prominent in the Völkermarkt area.
In the Netherlands, the last name Gerhards is typical in the provinces of North Holland and Overijssel. In North Holland, several municipalities such as Amsterdam and Haarlem are notable cities for people who bear the last name Gerhards.
The family name can also be found in the UK, where it is more likely to be seen in the East Midlands region, particularly in Nottinghamshire. Furthermore, the family name is at times found in other UK regions, such as Berkshire.
Other European nations with a sizable number of people who bear the last name Gerhards include France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland. Gerhards are also present in North America, though not in as large of a capacity as in some European countries.
In conclusion, the family name Gerhards is generally very common throughout Europe today. Its greatest concentrations are in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, but it also has large numbers in the UK, France, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden as well as North America.
Variations of the surname Gerhards
The surname Gerhards is an old Germanic surname which has two common spellings, Gerhard and Gerhardt. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Gerhard or Gerhardt, which is a combination of ger "spear" and hardu "brave, strong, hardy".
The Gerhards surname is still largely found in the countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Other variants include Gerhart, Garhard, Garhardt, Garhart, Garhardt, Gerhardtsson, Gerhardtz, Cerrard, Girard, Girardo, Giraud, Girault, Girart, Giraudet, Giraudo, Girault, Karrer, Karrhard, Karrhardt and McGarhard.
In the United States, the surname is found mainly among people of German, Swiss or Austrian descent. People with this surname may also sometimes have spelling variants such as Gerrards, Garrards, Gherards, Gherards, Gehrards, Gerards, Geerards, Jarrards, Jarards, Gerhardts, Gerhardt and Gerrhrts.
Surnames derived from the same origin, including variant spellings, include Gerhardy, Gayhardt, Gahrhard, Gahrhardt, Gahrhart, Gerhard, Germershausen Gerards and Gerrish.
Additionally, some other surnames that have been found to be possibly derived from the same root include Gerhardtsson, Karrhard, Karrhardt, Cerrard, Girard, Girardeau, Girardo, Giraud, Girault, Girart, Giraudet, Girod, Giroud, Giroude and Giroudolle.
Famous people with the name Gerhards
- John Gerhards (American baseball player)
- Mike Gerhards (American tennis player)
- Dani Gerhards (American country singer)
- Mary Gerhards (American actress and pole vaulter)
- Paul Gerhards (American painter)
- Chris Gerhards (American baseball pitcher)
- Alexander Gerhards (German inventor)
- Hans Gerhards (German football player)
- Johannes Gerhards (Dutch composer)
- Friedrich Gerhards (American geologist)
- Johanna Gerhards (German gymnast)
- Antonia Gerhards (German dancer and choreographer)
- Ute Gerhards (German literature professor and critic)
- Val Gerhards (American lawyer)
- Matthias Gerhards (German philosopher)
- Vicki Gerhards (American business executive)
- Giselle Gerhards (American jewelry designer)
- Ulrike Gerhards (German photographer)
- Reinhard Gerhards (German physicist)
- Claus-Peter Gerhards (German landscape architect)