Surname Gewalt - Meaning and Origin

Gewalt: What does the surname Gewalt mean?

The last name Gewalt is a German surname which has been present since early medieval times and is of Old German origin. The literal translation of Gewalt is “force” or “power” and is thought to be a nickname for a person of physical strength, or an occupational name for someone employed in the military or service industry. It is most commonly found in the German state of Bavaria.

The first recorded reference to the name was in 1181 when Teudericus Gewalt was mentioned in Austria. Following the German migrations of the 16th and 17th centuries, variants of the surname spread through the whole of Europe, including the Czech Republic, Hungary and North America.

Today, the name is most commonly found among the German-speaking population in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, it is also found in migrations to English-speaking countries and is used by those of German ancestry.

As an occupational surname, Gewalt has been responsible for producing many prominent people throughout history. It refers to people of strength, power and honor, which reflects on every person of this name. According the German language, Gewalt means “force” which reflects on the strength and courage of those who carry this name.

Gewalt: Where does the name Gewalt come from?

The last name Gewalt is most commonly found in Germany. It is also found throughout the German-speaking countries, including Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Gewalt is a surname of German origin, derived from the word "gewaltig" meaning "powerful" or "mighty". Records show that it has been in use in Germany since at least the 15th century.

In the 21st century, the surname Gewalt remains popular in Germany, where it ranks among the top 1,000 names. According to estimates in 2019, more than 15,300 people in Germany carry the name Gewalt. The popularity of the surname is greatest in the west of the country, particularly in states such as Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg.

Gewalt is also found in countries with a significant German diaspora, such as the United States. Census reports from 2015 to 2019 consistently showed that approximately 500 Americans bear the surname Gewalt. It is most common in the Midwest, particularly in states such as North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. It is also found in the larger cities of Houston, Texas, and San Francisco, California.

In addition to the German-speaking countries, certain other countries, such as Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, also report a presence of the surname Gewalt, likely due to the legacy of German settlers in the 19th century.

Variations of the surname Gewalt

The surname Gewalt is a German name originally meaning “power” or “force”. It is most common in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and is also found in other countries with large German communities, such as the United States, Canada and Argentina.

Variant spellings of the surname Gewalt include Gawalt, Gewalts, Gawalts, Gaweltz, Gawelts and Gewelts. These variations are due to the different dialects spoken in different regions.

The spelling Gawalte is usually found in its Italian form, and there is a Dutch variant spelled Gewald.

Surnames of similar origin and related to Gewalt include Geld, Galt, Gehl, Gewell and Golas. These variations are derived from the same root as Gewalt and typically have a similar meaning.

There are also numerous versions of the surname Gewalt found in Jewish communities throughout Europe and the Americas. These include Gewaltz, Gewelts, Gavalt, Gavolt and Gawilik.

In conclusion, the surname Gewalt is very widespread, with many variants, spellings and related surnames of different origin. It is a common surname in Germany and other parts of Europe, as well as in Jewish and Italian communities, and has numerous spelling variations.

Famous people with the name Gewalt

• Lucas Gewalt: A Swiss actor and rapper known for starring in 'Lummerland' and music videos such as 'Er schreit' and 'Kein Kids Mode'.
• Bryana Gewalt: An American actress most known for her performance in horror films such as 'Echoes from Beyond' and 'Sustainable'.
• Robert Gewalt: An American illustrator and sculptor most renowned for his graphic illustrations which are featured in the 'Little Big Planet' gaming series.
• Max Gewalt: A German financial and banking executive who serves as the CEO of Münchener HypoVereinsbank.
• William Gewalt: A German Olympic athlete and fencer who earned a silver medal in team épée fencing event in the 1948 Summer Olympics.
• Brigit Gewalt: A German art director and costume designer, most recognized for her work on films like 'The Devil's Rejects’ and 'Ruggles of Red Gap'.
• Al Bakker Gewalt: A Dutch Actor, composer, and musician known for his performance in the series ‘Deurwaarders' and the short film' All of that'.
• Frank Gewalt: A German theatre director and performance artist most recognized for his works 'Der Mysteriose Surfer' and 'Die Opfertochter'.
• Fred Gewalt: An American illusionist, stage magician, and stunt performer known for performing death-defying stunts and performing illusions both on a stage and in TV shows.
• Lance Gewalt: An American artist, actor, and restorer most recognized for his works in theatre, music, and sculptures. He is most famous for his sculptures depicting animals in everyday life.

Other surnames

GewaldGewaltig