Surname Geys - Meaning and Origin
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Geys: What does the surname Geys mean?
The last name Geys is derived from the Old Germanic language and is thought to originate from the Dutch version of the Germanic name “Gus” or “Gusch”. This name would have then been adapted over time to Geys.
The earliest variations of Gusch are thought to mean ‘lord of the house’ or ‘lord of the home’, and are thought to refer to a landowner or tenant farmer who held large amounts of land and had associated power and wealth. It is also thought to derive from the German word for guts, which hints at the early Geys having been strong-willed individuals able to make tough decisions.
The Geys surname is found throughout Netherlands and Germany, with the earliest known recorded reference being from 15th century recruiting rolls in the Netherlands. It is thought that early members of the Geys family moved abroad and the surname travelled with them, now being recorded throughout the USA, Canada and Europe.
Today, the Geys surname is unique yet influential and those who hear it often associate the name with mythology and power. It is a reminder of the original lord of the home from which it was derived, yet today can also represent strength, courage and conviction.
Order DNA origin analysisGeys: Where does the name Geys come from?
The last name Geys is most commonly found today in Belgium. A century ago, it was most often found in the northeast corner of Belgium, in the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg, although it has now spread to other provinces. It is thought to be derived from a Dutch name that means "reed-bed" or "brownish-grey," and many people with this last name likely had ancestors who lived in these marshy areas around Antwerp. It is also possible that the name comes from the war-cry "Geyse," which would suggest that the first Geys family came from the French city of Guise or the Dutch province of Gelderland.
The Geys family may also have origins in Flanders, as the name appears in Brussels as early as 1690. By the 19th century, it had become widespread throughout Belgium, especially in the southern regions. Today, it can be found in a number of Belgian cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Leuven, and also in Flanders and Wallonia, as well as in countries bordering Belgium. It is also being adopted in many other countries around the world by people of Belgian descent.
Variations of the surname Geys
The surname Geys is a variation of the Dutch and German surname “Geis”. The spelling variations are Gies, Geys, Gise, Geisse, Gheys, and Gais. Geys is also commonly spelled Gees in the Netherlands. It is believed to have derived from the Old German word "gisil" meaning “pledge” or “noble”. It is also a variant spelling of the German name Gieß (meaning “pouring” or “rain”).
The Geys surname is traced back to the 11th century in Germany and is most common in the Netherlands and Germany. It is relatively rare in many other countries, although it can also be found in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the United States. Geys is usually an occupational name with ties to the weaving or tailoring trade as "gisil" can be linked to the Old German "gisele" which translates to “shearing” or “clipping”.
Surnames related to Geys include the German Gehse, Gees, Geese, Gieseke, Giske, Gise, and Giesel. Variations in the Netherlands are Genet, Geevart, Gijsberts, and Gijzen. Surname spellings in the United States may include Gess, Geshe, Gice, and Geese.
Geys is an old Germanic surname that has long been a part of European history. It has multiple spellings and variations that hint at its ancient roots. Although variations are mainly confined to Germany and the Netherlands, it can also be found in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the United States. Geys can typically be linked to the weaving or tailoring trade in its origin. Related surnames are Gehse, Gees, Geese, Gieseke, Giske, Gise, Giesel, Genet, Geevart, Gijsberts, and Gijzen amongst many others.
Famous people with the name Geys
- Nico Geys: World Record Holder for Largest Snowballs Ever Used in a Slide Racing Competition
- Henk Geys: Dutch Professional Cyclist
- Kristof Geys: Belgian Professional Volleyball Player
- Frederik Geys: Belgian Professional Footballer
- Hans Geys: Dutch Professional Kitesurfer
- Steffen Geys: Belgian Professional Swimmer
- Tom Geys: Belgian Professional Golfer
- Michiel Geys: Belgian Professional Diver
- Bas Geys: Dutch Professional Cyclist
- Pieter Geys: Dutch Professional Mountaineer