Surname Goerss - Meaning and Origin
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Goerss: What does the surname Goerss mean?
The last name Goerss is derived from the German word “Görs”, meaning “spearman” or “weapon-maker”. It is likely derived from the Old High German word “gars”. During the medieval period, this was a popular surname, found throughout much of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Historically, the last name Goerss often had a military or hunting connotation, indicating an occupation which involved the use of weapons. In some cases, it could be the name of an armorer who crafted and maintained weapons, or a soldier who wielded a spear in battle. It was also sometimes used by tradesmen who produced arrowheads or other metal weapons.
In some cases, Goerss may simply have been a reference to an individual’s physical strength or ferocity, suggesting that the bearer of this name was intimidating in combat or in other physical activities.
Today, Goerss is still a common surname in Germany and in German-speaking countries around the world. While there may be those who still maintain a connection with its original origins, it is often now seen as a surname of convenience rather than an indication of martial service. It is a popular surname which has been adopted by many outside of its original homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisGoerss: Where does the name Goerss come from?
The Goerss surname is most commonly found in Germany, though its origins may have been in France. It is also found in the United States, where it is thought to have been brought by German immigrants in the 19th century. Goerss is also spotted in Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The name is thought to be a German name, derived from the Old High German ‘Gores’, meaning ‘spear’. It was likely a descriptive name that was given to tall and strong people.
The name is not particularly common today, but it can still be found in smaller numbers in many different countries. In addition to the countries already mentioned, Goerss is also found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
It is likely that the most recent spread of the name happened due to people who have moved from their countries of origin, either to work or study. It is also possible that people were given the name by their ancestors as they migrated to and from places around the world.
No matter where the name originated, Goerss is not likely to disappear in the near future. Its presence in many countries around the world indicates that it has been successful in finding a home away from home.
Variations of the surname Goerss
Goerss is a German surname with several variants and spellings, including Görs, Goers, Gaers, Gers, and Geers. The origin of the surname is from a region in Germany known as "Görz." It is likely an occupation-based surname, since Görz is thought to have derived its name from a profession involving knives, such as "messermeister" (knife maker) or "messerschleifer" (knife sharpener). Other alternative spellings of this surname have also been found in countries such as the United States, France, and the Netherlands.
In the United States, Goerss can be found spelled as Geers, Goers, Görs, Gers, and Gaers. Typically, the ‘oe’ in the name was changed to a long ‘e’ when the family immigrated to the US. The most common variant spellings found in the Netherlands are Gerss, Goerss, and Görs. In France, the variant spellings Goers, Görs, and Gers can be found.
Other surnames of the same origin include Goars, Gours, Gouter, and Goer. These surnames likely had a common ancestor at some point but, due to the variations in spelling throughout Europe, it is difficult to determine the exact origin. Each of these surnames, however, likely derive from a common source such as "Görz" or a related profession.
Famous people with the name Goerss
- Christian Görss: German footballer
- Joanna Goerss: American voice actress
- Greg Goerss: American songwriter
- Helmut Görs: German journalist and publisher
- Tom Goerss: American professional golfer
- Dr. Carsten Görss: German professor of economics
- Thomas Goerss: German chess International Master
- Françoise Görss-van Ryzin: French classical harpist and teacher
- Friedrich Görss: German theologian, church historian
- Berthold Görss: German neurologist