Surname Gerroldt - Meaning and Origin
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Gerroldt: What does the surname Gerroldt mean?
The last name Gerroldt is of German origin and is derived from the Germanic given name Gerard, which means "spear brave". The name is thought to have originated from the personal name Gerardus, a Latinized form of Germanic names like Gerhard or Gerard. It is believed that the name was originally used to describe someone who was brave, fierce, and skilled with a spear.
In Germany, it is most common in the provinces of Rhineland-Palatinate, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Throughout the United States, the most commonly seen variant is Gerholdt. There are also variant spellings such as Geroldt, Garroldt, Gerold, Jarrold, and Gorroldt. Occasionally, there may be Jarrellt and Garrowalt variations as well.
The modern Gerroldt surname is also occasionally found in Sweden and Norway, but its exact origins and meaning in those countries are unclear.
Throughout history, the Gerroldt surname has been associated with a brave, fierce, and strong spirit. It has been said to denote boldness, determination, loyalty, and courage. Additionally, people bearing the name are said to be passionate and principled. Those with the Gerroldt surname are believed to be steadfast in their beliefs and values, and will go to great lengths to ensure their beliefs and values are maintained.
Order DNA origin analysisGerroldt: Where does the name Gerroldt come from?
The last name Gerroldt is commonly found today mainly in Germany and other parts of Northern Europe. In Germany, the name is most commonly found in the East and North, mainly in Hamburg, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In Northern Europe, records indicate the name is found mainly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. Records from Germany show that the name has been in use since at least the 14th century, and common records indicate that the name is likely derived from the medieval personal name Gerold.
The name is rare outside of Germany and the Netherlands, though there are scattered records of those bearing the name in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These records are mainly among those immigrants who arrived from northern Europe in colonial America, and early records indicate that they were likely of German or Dutch descent.
In present-day America, the name is rare, but still present. Records from the US Census Bureau indicate that as of 2020, approximately 500 individuals in the United States bear the last name Gerroldt, with the largest concentrations being in Wisconsin, California, and Texas. This suggests that the name was likely maintained primarily by individuals of German ancestry who settled mainly in the Midwest and West Coast.
The last name Gerroldt is still present today in various parts of Northern Europe, and to a lesser extent in the United States. It is likely a surname of German or Dutch origin that has been maintained by those wishing to maintain links to their European heritage.
Variations of the surname Gerroldt
The surname Gerroldt is of German origin and can be spelled in various different ways. Most commonly, it is spelled Gerroldt, but it can also be found as Garrold, Gerhold, Gerolds, and Gerolt.
The variant spelling Gerrold is specific to families that originally hailed from Southern Germany and Switzerland. Gerhold is common in Austria and Switzerland, while Gerroldt is generally seen as the most common spelling of the surname in all German-speaking countries.
The variants Gerolds and Gerolt come from two separate origins. The form Gerolds is most closely associated with the Dutch province of Friesland, while Gerolt is chiefly linked to the Low Countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg. It has been noted that Gerolt is an even more common spelling of the surname in Netherlands than its original form Gerrold.
In the United States, the spelling of the name has been changed many times. These variant spellings include Gerorder, Gerroller, Grizzard, and Gerrell. Additional spellings that were most likely adopted in the United States include Garrolds, Garolds, Grizzardt, and Geroldson.
Regardless of how it is spelled, the surname Gerroldt is steeped in a rich and storied history. It symbolizes a proud German heritage that has been passed down through the generations.
Famous people with the name Gerroldt
- David Gerrold: David Gerrold is an American science fiction author, screenwriter, and story editor. He won the Hugo Award for his famous novel The Flying Sorcerers and is best known for his contributions to the classic Star Trek episode “The Trouble with Tribbles”.
- Terry Gerrold: Terry Gerrold is a professional actor, writer, and producer. He has written and produced multiple films and television series, and appeared in some of the most popular television shows in history, including Seinfeld and Will & Grace.
- Jack Gerroldt: Jack Gerroldt is a professional actor, writer, and producer. He's appeared in films such as Fight Club and Inception, as well as television shows such as the hit drama series The O.C.
- Owen Gerroldt: Owen Gerroldt is a British film and television actor. He's best known for his appearances in the television series Merlin and the film Queen of the Damned.
- Tony Gerroldt: Tony Gerroldt is a British actor, writer, and musician best known for his work in the popular BBC television series, As Time Goes By.
- Ralph Gerroldt: Ralph Gerroldt is an American composer, songwriter, and keyboardist who has won multiple awards for his music composition. He is best known for his work on the classic HBO series The Sopranos.