Surname Goerdeler - Meaning and Origin
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Goerdeler: What does the surname Goerdeler mean?
The last name Goerdeler is of German origin, derived from the Old High German words ‘gōr’ (meaning ‘spear’) and ‘dilir’ (meaning ‘brave’). Combined, the name is thought to mean ‘brave spearman’ or ‘spear-armed warrior’ and William Goerdeler’s coat of arms from the 16th century appears to confirm this, depicting two crossed spears.
The name Goerdeler became prominent in German history through Konrad Goerdeler, a German politician, mayor of Leipzig and later Chancellor, who led the opposition against Hitler and the Nazis. Konrad Goerdeler was lately convicted of high treason due to his involvement in the 20 July plot to assassinate Hitler and was executed in 1945. A number of family members of Konrad Goerdeler were also persecuted and even deported by the regime and survived the concentration camps.
Today, the name Goerdeler is associated with courage and Verwegenheit (daring) during a dark time in history. It signifies the courage of ordinary citizens to stand up against evil and the hope for something better. Several streets and monuments in various cities in Germany are named in honour of Konrad Goerdeler and his heroism in the face of danger.
Order DNA origin analysisGoerdeler: Where does the name Goerdeler come from?
The last name Goerdeler is found most commonly in Germany today, but it can also be found in several other countries including Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.
In Germany, Goerdeler is a rather uncommon but still widespread last name. It is primarily found in the northern and central parts of the country and is often associated with the city of Hamburg, as the last name Goerdeler has roots in that region. It is believed to have originated from the Old Germanic phrase "der Gӧrdeler" which roughly translates to "the one who is skillful with a belt."
Over time, Goerdeler became an official last name in Germany. It is most prominent in areas such as Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, and Berlin. In some cases, immigrants from these regions have carried the family name to other areas of the world, especially to the United States.
Out of Germany, the family name Goerdeler can also be seen in neighboring countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg, as well as the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. Additionally, Goerdeler has spread to other areas such as Canada, Australia, and many countries in Latin America.
Lastly, the last name Goerdeler is growing in the United States due to the influence of German immigrants. Its current popularity is primarily concentrated in the Midwest and New England states, particularly in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
In conclusion, Goerdeler is most commonly found in Germany today, but it can also be found in many other countries, including the United States. People bearing the Goerdeler last name can trace their lineage back to northern and central Germany, and even have German-American ancestry to thank for its global spread.
Variations of the surname Goerdeler
The surname Goerdeler is an old German surname of uncertain origin dating back to at least the 13th century. It is believed to have originated in the areas around the Harz Mountains in the regions of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt in Germany and refers to someone from the region of Goerdeler. There are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variants are Gördeler, Gördeler, Gordeler, Gordeleer, Gordeler, Goerdleer, and Gördeler. The spellings vary from the above with either a trema or double-o, for example, Goördeler, Goördeler, Goördleer, Goördeler.
Other surnames of the same origin are Gördler, Gördle, Gördler, Goördle, Goördel, Gördeln, Görder, Goördeln, Goördl, Gördlich, Goördlich, and Goördler.
There are also several alternate pronunciations of the surname such as Gurdaleer, Gordelier, Goradler, Gor applicant, Guirdeler, Garisleer, Gerdleer, Göradleer, Görgleer, and Görtleer.
Although the exact origin of the original Goerdeler surname is unknown, its variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin can offer clues about the geographical or cultural origins of those who bear it. Exploring each variant for its potential meanings or family connections can help to identify and document your family's genealogy.
Famous people with the name Goerdeler
- Carl Goerdeler (1884–1945) was a German conservative opposition leader and a protagonist of the German Resistance against the Nazi régime.
- Fritz Goerdeler (1922–2014) was a German writer, editor and musician.
- Johannes Goerdeler (born 1930) is a German theologian, professor emeritus for Protestant theology in Erlangen-Nürnberg University.
- Emilia Goerdeler (1886–1948) was a German educator and a leading figure in the children's rights movement in Germany.
- Emanuel Goerdeler (born 1915) is a German lawyer and a counsel to the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- Karl-Friedrich Goerdeler (1890–1942) was a German lawyer and a member of the German resistance movement.
- Cornelius Goerdeler (1873–1948) was a German politician and an activist during the Weimar Republic.
- Lotti Goerdeler (born 1940) is a German actress who has appeared in several films and television series.
- Heinrich Goerdeler (born 1931) is a German musicologist and professor emeritus for musicology at the Leipzig University.
- Harald Goerdeler (born 1951) is a German banker and former chief executive officer of Deutsche Börse AG.