Surname Giesicke - Meaning and Origin
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Giesicke: What does the surname Giesicke mean?
The last name Giesicke is a German and Prussian surname derived from the words “Giesen” and “Kieke”, meaning “scythe” or “farmer”. Historically, the surname was assigned to those who did agricultural work and was a topographic name for someone living near a small stream where one could scythe the hay.
Due to its geographical and occupational origins, there is likely a strong tie to the countryside and rural life, as well as a sense of heritage and tradition. It is also possible that the surname was given to those who had a certain type of personality; those who were hardworking and resourceful.
Throughout the centuries, many individuals bearing this last name, have played an influential role in the progression and advancement of Germany’s society. Examples of this include prominent political figures such as Karlheinz Giesicke, who served as a Member of the Bundestag from the German Liberal Party in 2009, and business leaders such as Erwin Giesicke who lead IBM in Germany during the years of 1990-2001.
Overall, the last name Giesicke carries with it a deep sense of history and community. It is a mark of resourcefulness, hard work, and respect for tradition. It serves as a reminder to continue to create positive legacies of which our ancestors would be proud.
Order DNA origin analysisGiesicke: Where does the name Giesicke come from?
The last name Giesicke is a German name originating in eastern Europe. It is most common today in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. There have been many German emigrants to the United States and other countries around the world in the 19th and 20th centuries, so it is possible to find the last name Giesicke in those countries as well.
In Germany, Giesicke is a rare surname and is only known in a few eastern regions such as Saxony, Brandenburg, and Berlin. In fact, it is mostly limited to those three provinces, having been mostly connected with Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. It can also be found in smaller numbers in the Netherlands, a former Dutch colony or in the Polish areas of the Prussian Partition.
In Austria, the family name Giesicke is mainly present in the provinces of Burgenland and Styria. There are relatively few families known to exist in other parts of Austria. The Czech Republic also has some members of the Giesicke family, though it is not as common as in other parts of the world.
In the U.S., Giesicke can be found in various states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Illinois, and North Carolina. It is much more uncommon though than in its German and Austrian homelands. All together, Giesicke is a relatively rare name and is most commonly found in eastern parts of Europe today.
Variations of the surname Giesicke
Giesicke is an Germanic surname that is believed to originate from the Old High German personal name Giso or Gizo. Etymologists believe that the name likely derived from the word Giz meaning ‘wood’ or ‘tree’. The spelling of Giesicke can vary, based on regional differences in dialect and language, and the surname can be found spelled in a variety of ways, including Gieske, Gieseke, Giezicke, Giezike, Geesicke, Geeseke and Giesick.
Giesicke may be found in a number of alternate surnames, some of which may be spelled differently but are similar in their meaning or pronunciation. These may include Geisicke, Giesich, Giesig, Giggsig, Giegrich, Giegerich, Giessig, Gisig, Giese, Kyese and Kiske.
Since the original spelling of Giesicke is quite rare, it’s likely that the surname has been adopted by a variety of branches over time. These extend beyond those mentioned above, with additional surname variants being found in countries including Austria, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
In some cases, the origin of the surname Giesicke might be indicated by the variations of the spelling, as some can indicate the region or language from which the family originated. For example, a surname being spelled Giegerich typically denotes an origin in the Bavaria region of Germany. Similarly, a surname spelled Geesicke would typically suggest the family has roots in the Czech Republic.
Famous people with the name Giesicke
- David Giesicke: the former Chief of Staff for the US Department of Commerce and former Microsoft executive.
- Mathias Giesicke: a German writer and poet who wrote several novels, short stories, poetry, and essays.
- Hermann Giesicke: a German artist known for his Expressionist woodcuts and drawings of landscapes and animals.
- Judith Giesicke: an Austrian contemporary artist who has had numerous solo exhibitions in Vienna, Switzerland, and Germany.
- Robert Giesicke: a German chemist and physicist who was a pioneer in the field of physical chemistry.
- Gary Giesicke: an American musician, songwriter, and producer known for his work with popular artists such as Flo Rida, Pink, and Lady Gaga.
- Sebastian Giesicke: a German voice actor who has lent his voice to characters in television shows and films.
- Jacob Giesicke: a British Army officer who served with distinction during the Spanish Civil War, World War II and the Korean War.
- Karl Giesicke: founder of the Giesicke brewery, a prominent brewery in Bavaria.
- Albert Giesicke: a German artist who painted landscapes, still lifes, city scenes, and portraits.