Surname Getreu - Meaning and Origin

Getreu: What does the surname Getreu mean?

The last name Getreu is of German origin. It is derived from the old German word “getreu” which means “faithful” or “true”.

This surname would have been used as a nickname to refer to someone who was loyal and trustworthy. It could have been given to someone who was always true to his or her word, faithfully performing all of his or her duties and obligations without fail.

The phrase “getreu sein” is used in the German language to mean being “true and faithful”, which is often seen as an honorable quality. Therefore, it is likely that people with this surname would have been respected by their peers and admired for their dedication and faithful nature.

In more recent times, the surname Getreu is fairly common throughout Germany and Austrian regions. It is also found among German-speaking populations in the United States and Canada as well as in parts of South America, especially Brazil.

The phrase “Getrue” has also been commonly used as a given name, often combined with other first names; examples of this include Getrue Ann or Getrue Rose. This is due to the quality associated with this surname.

Overall, the surname Getreu conveys a sense of reliability, loyalty, and honor. Those with this surname often live a life of sincerity and faithfulness, staying true to their word and beliefs, which grants them a special level of respect and admiration.

Getreu: Where does the name Getreu come from?

The last name Getreu is most commonly found in the German-speaking world today. In Germany, it is relatively widespread, with more than 4,500 people with Getreu listed in the German telephone directory. It can also be found in Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein. The name is also found in the United States, specifically in places with large German-American populations such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Getreu is also a surname found in Canada and Australia, especially in areas with large German and/or Swiss populations.

In numerous locations, the name is associated with a Gerry Getreu, a basketball player from the United States. Getreu, who originally played for the Houston Astros, currently plays for the Canadian basketball team the Toronto Raptors.

Getreu is also a well-known German surname. It is most likely derived from the Middle High German root "getrüwe", which means "loyal". The name is therefore likely to have been awarded to someone who consistently showed loyalty and trustworthiness.

In addition to Gerry Getreu, various other individuals of note have borne the Getreu name, such as the German pharmacologist Friedrich Getreu, the German classical music composer Karl Getreu, and the 19th century German writer Caroline Getreu. The surname has been around since medieval times, and due to its various spellings, it is likely you may have ancestors who bore the Getreu name. If so, take pride in their legacy.

Variations of the surname Getreu

The surname Getreu can have several different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Geatreau, Getips, Geetry, Gestree, Getree, Getreaux, Getris, Gettis, Gétreau, Gettry, Gettle, Giatturi, and Gitterie.

The Germanic root of the surname Getreu is a combination of the word “gedreht” which means “turned about” and “trew” which means “true”. The surname is derived from the old Germanic word “trewist” which meant “trustworthy”, or someone who was believed to be sincere and reliable.

In Germany, the name Getreu is mainly found in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, as well as in some parts of Austria. The German form of the name is the most common; however, other spellings of the name are sometimes seen in other countries. In the United States, Getreu, Geetry and Giatturi are the most common forms.

In Spain, Gettry, Gétreau, Gettle, Getree, Gestree, and Getris are the most common spellings. In France, Getreaux is the most common variant, while in Italy Gitterie and Geatreau are seen more often. Other variants of the name are seen in other parts of Europe, as well as in countries like Canada and Australia.

No matter which variant is used, the surname Getreu is ultimately derived from the Germanic root meaning “trustworthy”, and all of the forms refer to someone who was considered to be reliable and sincere.

Famous people with the name Getreu

• Richard Getreu, an American engineer and professor known for his work on hydraulic fracturing and his invention of the water hammer accumulator.
• Kurt Getreu, a German journalist and author who wrote books about Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.
• Corinne Getreu, a Swiss philosopher and author of the book The Political Philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir.
• Urs Getreu, a Swiss entrepreneur and former president of the Swiss business magazine Bilanz.
• Florencio Getreu, an Argentinian racing cyclist.
• Oskar Getreu, a German chess player, journalist and author of several books on chess.
• Max Getreu, a German football player who represented FC Basel 1893 in the Swiss Super League.
• Martin Getreu, a German singer-songwriter and musician who released the albums Freiheit and Musik & Freiheiten.
• Frieder Getreu, a German lawyer and former Mayor of the City of Frankfurt.
• Friedrich Getreu, a German writer, historian and politician who was a Member of Parliament for the Social Democratic Party.

Other surnames

Getreuer