Surname Gesella - Meaning and Origin
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Gesella: What does the surname Gesella mean?
Gesella is a rare German surname derived from Old High German elements. It is believed to be a combination of gesa (gear, equipment) and helan (to hide or conceal), or a variation of ‘Gessel’, which is derived from the Old High German ‘Gisil’ meaning ‘pledge’.
Originally, the Gesella surname likely arose in the Middle Ages, which was a period when most people would often opt to borrow items rather than purchase them. This was done by offering a pledge or ‘gisel’ to secure the loan. If the lender happened to be a great nobleman, then a Gesella would be the contact or representative of the borrower. This could possibly be how the surname came into being, as a reference to a person in such a role.
In modern times, those bearing the Gesella surname can be found mainly in Germany and other parts of Europe with Germanic cultural influence. Those individuals with the name might have ancestors that worked as civil servants, merchants, farmers or perhaps even soldiers.
Regardless of its possible ancient origins, today the name Gesella is a proud and unique part of the German surname landscape. It is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the country and those who have carried the name for generations.
Order DNA origin analysisGesella: Where does the name Gesella come from?
The last name Gesella is most commonly found today among populations originating in southern Europe. The surname is particularly prominent in Spain and Italy, and has a long history in both countries. Local records indicate that the surname dates back as early as the 13th century, and it is likely derived from Latin or a Romance language spoken in the region at the time.
In Italy, the name Gesella first appeared in documents found in the northern Italian province of Novara. The surname is also found in the regions of Lazio and Tuscany, where many families bearing the name have lived for generations. In Spain, records indicate that the surname was first found in the northern region of Navarra in the 1100s, and has grown in prominence in other parts of the country over the centuries.
Today, the surname Gesella is distributed throughout the countries of southern Europe, primarily in Italy and Spain. In North America, the surname is still relatively uncommon, with most bearing the name descended from immigrants who arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is becoming more widespread, however, as more people of southern European descent move to the continent.
Variations of the surname Gesella
The surname Gesella is a French or Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name "Gesse" or "Gessele". The root of this surname is thought to come from the Germanic personal name "Gautzel" or "Gautz", which itself is derived from the earlier Germanic name "Gaut" or "Gauti". Variants of the surname Gesella include Gessela, Gisella, Giselle, Gessle, Giesle, Gieslla, Gieselle, Gesle, and Giele. It is also possible to encounter many different spellings across time, regions, and languages, such as: Gasella, Gaselli, Gasello, Gasely, Gasle, Gaesle, Gazzola, Ghisel, Gisello, Gisle, Gsella, and Jisell. Additionally, variations of the surname may be found in other languages, such as Germain, Gasel, Gazele, and Gaselll.
The surname Gesella can also take on alternate spellings and surnames depending on its region of origin. In Italy, the surname may be Gisellini or Giselli. In central and Eastern Europe, it may be Giesz, Gieszczyk, Gieszczykiewicz, Gieszkiewicz, Giess, Geisl, and Geisler. In France it may take on the spellings of Gesselin/Gesel, Gasela/Gazelle, Gisel, and Gisele.
Overall, the surname Gesella is an interesting subject with a variety of different spellings and surnames being associated with it. With so much regional and linguistic diversity, it can be difficult to track the genealogical history of the surname. Additionally, depending on its region of origin, further changes may occur. It is likely that further variants will continue to be uncovered in future.
Famous people with the name Gesella
- Antonio Gesella (1617–1690), Italian Baroque painter
- Alessio Gesella (b. 1985), Italian footballer
- Giorgio Gesella (1930–2014), Italian writer
- Piero Gesella (1917–1985), Italian war hero
- Ernesto Gesella (1908–1967), renowned Italian scientist
- Eduard Gesella (1899–1972), German zoologist
- Salvatore Gesella (b. 1960), Italian Roman Catholic prelate
- Eugenio Gesella (1914–2004), Italian journalist
- Gianni Gesella (b. 1950), Italian artist and sculptor
- Mario Gesella (1927–2006), Italian pianist and composer