Surname Gernth - Meaning and Origin

Gernth: What does the surname Gernth mean?

The last name Gernth is of German-Austrian origin and is an indication of noble ancestry. It is derived from the Old German personal name of Gernot, and translated means "brave with a spear". It is likely that the family originated from Bavaria, Tyrol or Austria, and were first enumerated in these areas in the 13th century.

Gernth families were usually landowners, with some having served in the Austrian landforces. Over time, many members of the Gernth family moved to other parts of Europe including Poland, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The name went on to become prominent in Hungary, where the spelling changed from Gernth to Gerny.

The coat of arms of the Gernth family is a shield with a black crown, a lion rampant, and a spear on the side. This is meant to reflect the fierce and courageous spirit of the family. The crest contains a broom-like fan, likely in reference to its noble roots.

Throughout its history, the Gernth family maintained a powerful presence, and their name became prominent in many countries. While in modern times its use is far less common, the name Gernth is still remembered and carries with it an air of respect.

Gernth: Where does the name Gernth come from?

The last name Gernth is believed to be of German origin and is most commonly found in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is also found in parts of Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and France with smaller populations.

In addition, there is a small presence of the name Gernth in the United States and Canada. Its highest population is in the United States, primarily concentrated in the Midwest. The Pacific Northwest, California, Texas and the New England states also contain some Gernth descendants.

Since the name Gernth is of Germanic origin, it is expected that it would be more commonly found in regions which were once part of the German-speaking states, particularly the Danube and Rhine regions. It is likely that during the mass migrations in Europe in the 17th and 19th centuries, individuals with the last name Gernth moved to these areas in search of new opportunities and better living conditions.

Due to the more recent migrations of Europeans to North America, there are more Gernths in the United States and Canada than before. There is even a small presence of the surname Gernth in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Brazil.

Today, individuals with the last name Gernth can most commonly be found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, the Netherlands as well as the United States and Canada.

Variations of the surname Gernth

There are a few variants of the surname Gernth, which can be found in German, Dutch, and Swiss records. Some of the variants are Gernothe, Gernoth, Gerndt, Guernoth, Gernt, and Guerntz.

Gernothe is the most common spelling of the surname and it is found in German records from the early 1300s. Gernothe is derived from the Germanic word 'garnôð', which means 'purveyor of spears'. It was originally given as an occupational name to someone in the weapons trade or a manufacturer of armor.

The spelling Gernoth has been found in records from the 1500s in Germany. It is also derived from 'garnôð' and was likely a variation of Gernothe.

Gerndt, though similar in appearance to Gernothe, is not of the same origin. The name likely comes from 'guarn', meaning 'withered'. It is believed to have been given either as an occupational name or based on someone's physical appearance.

Guernoth is an unusual spelling and variant of Gernothe, which has been found in a single document from the 1500s in Germany. It is often interchangeable with Gernothe.

Gernt and Guerntz are Dutch spellings of Gernoth also derived from 'garnôð'. Both spellings are uncommon and are likely related to Gernothe.

Overall, the surname Gernth has several commonly seen variants and spellings in German, Dutch, and Swiss records. Gernothe, Gernoth, Gerndt, Guernoth, Gernt, and Guerntz are all believed to be derived from 'garnôð', and were likely given originally as occupational surnames or as a description of someone's physical appearance.

Famous people with the name Gernth

• Tom Gernth: Dutch-born cinematographer and music producer
• Gabriel Gernth: Programmer and Internet Entrepreneur
• Thomas Gernth: former German footballer and coach
• Luc Gernth: Belgian footballer and former manager
• Jon Gernth: professional golfer on the PGA Tour
• Jean Gernth: former French professional footballer
• Robert Gernth: former German football goalkeeper
• Lukas Gernth: Austrian handball goalkeeper
• Dirk Gernth: Dutch figure skater
• Jens Gernth: German operatic baritone
• Daniel Gernth: German Olympic rower
• Viktor Gernth: Austrian artist and illustrator
• Kurt Gernth: Austrian painter, illustrator and graphic artist
• Gerald Gernth: Austrian actor
• Hilary Gernth: British athlete and sportswoman
• Richard Gernth: German banker, politician and philanthropist

Other surnames

Gernt