Surname Gerhartz - Meaning and Origin
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Gerhartz: What does the surname Gerhartz mean?
The last name Gerhartz is a German surname of both occupational and locative origins. Occupationally, the name is derived from the Old High German word ‘ger’ meaning ‘spear’ and ‘hart’ meaning ‘hard’ or ‘brave’, thus translating as ‘spear-hard/brave’ and likely referring to a soldier or warrior. Locatively, the name is derived from places so named in Germany, such as Gut Gerhartz in Lippe.
The last name Gerhartz was borne by a variety of different branches of the same family, primarily in the German states of Bavaria and Rhineland. Other branches of the same family emigrated from Germany to other areas of Europe and America, meaning that the name can now be found in numerous different parts of the world.
Members of the Gerhartz family often found success in their chosen fields, whether they were farmers or soldiers by trade. They were hardworking and courageous and their perseverance has ensured their legacy as a prominent Germanic family. The history of the name Gerhartz is a testament to the strength of this family and the legacy they have left behind.
Order DNA origin analysisGerhartz: Where does the name Gerhartz come from?
The last name Gerhartz is a German name which is still commonly found throughout many regions of Germany today. According to the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Familienkunde, Gerhartz is a local variation of the surname Gerhard. It is believed to be derived from the Germanic personal name Garethe which can be traced back to the German city of Garstadt and/or Old French given name Gérard. As a result, it is likely that the name originated and was popularized in the southern German region close to the French border.
Today, the last name Gerhartz is most heavily concentrated in the German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, and Rhineland-Palatinate, where it is still found in high numbers. It is also found in lesser amounts in Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saarland. A cursory search of the German phonebook listings may reveal the name in other regions as well.
As for its international presence, Gerhartz is primarily found in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Among the oldest entries in online genealogical data are those pertaining to members of the Gerhartz family who emigrated from Germany to Wisconsin in the 1880s. It is likely that the name is also common in other countries with a significant German influence, such as Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.
Variations of the surname Gerhartz
Gerhartz is a German surname. It is derived from the canonical form of the name Gerhard, and ultimately from two Germanic elements, ger, meaning "spear," and hard meaning "brave, hardy, or strong." Variants of this name include Gerrhardz, Gerhardz, Gierheardt, and Gerhardsson. Spellings include Gerhardt, Gerheart, and Gerhards.
Other German surnames derived from Gerhard and having the same or similar meanings include Gerhart, Gerharz, Gereth, Geerhart, Garhart, Garhard, Gerheartz, Gereck, Geercken, Geerhts, Gerhardsen, Gerhartzen, and Gerber.
Surnames derived from this name include Gerth, Gerhards, Gerhardt, Gerhardts, Gerards, Gerhardson, Gehrtz, Geret, Gerot, Gerst, Gerhartz, Gerets, Gerwald, Gerwe, Gerwin, Gerwick, and Gerwien.
In the Netherlands, variants of this surname include Gerheyd, Gerhartz, Gerhard, Gerhardt, Gerherphone, Gerhouden, Geerhuz, Geerharts, and Gerretse. In Scandinavia, other forms of this surname include Gerhardsson, Gjerhardsen, Gerdts, Gerhardson, Giertz, and Gerhards.
Variants of this name may appear in other parts of the world, depending on migration and the level of assimilation of Germanic immigrants. Examples include Garthe, Garret, Garratt, Geraud, Garrard, and Garred.
Famous people with the name Gerhartz
- Katrin Gerhartz: German singer/songwriter
- Liane Gerhartz: German actress
- Günter Gerhartz: German actor
- Dieter Gerhartz: German photographer, visual artist
- Harry Gerhartz: German-American inventor and entrepreneur
- Ulrike Gerhartz: German physician, professor of medical ethics and medical history
- Peter Gerhartz: German football coach
- Klaus Gerhartz: German football player
- Uta Gerhartz: German sculptor
- Jürgen Gerhartz: German last resort lawyer, notorious for his involvement in high profile cases