Surname Gehrke - Meaning and Origin

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V. Gehrke

Gehrke: What does the surname Gehrke mean?

The last name Gehrke is a German surname, likely derived from the Middle High German moniker “gernc” or “gerink,” both of which indicated an ancestral connection to a family of herdsmen, or someone who tends to herds and animals.

The name is also found in the region of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, which is near the border of Denmark. The name appears to originate from this particular region due to its distinct geographic location.

Over the centuries, the name Gehrke has taken many different spellings, including but not limited to “Gerke”, “Gehrk”, “Gherke” and “Gherk”. Different spellings of the name could indicate that the family either immigrated to another country or married into a family with a different spelling of the surname.

The name itself suggests that its original holder was a shepherd, or one who looks after wooly creatures. This may reflect the occupation of an early ancestor or an early career associated with the family line. The name Gehrke may also reflect a distinct characteristic of the ancestor that sets him or her apart from other members of the same extended family.

Today, the name Gehrke can still be found across Germany, Denmark and other countries in and around Europe. It has even spread to countries on other continents due to emigration from Europe in the past few centuries. With some variant spellings, the name remains recognizable as a sign of a strong family bond from many years ago.

Gehrke: Where does the name Gehrke come from?

The surname Gehrke is most commonly found in Germany today. Records show it was an occupational name derived from the old German words "gehra" meaning a ditch and "karl" meaning a peasant or farmer. This surname likely originated in the Middle Ages and spread across the region with migration. Gehrke is one of the most commonly found surnames in Germany, with around 10,000 people having the name and a total of 12,675 Gehrke’s living in the country. It is also found throughout Europe, particularly in countries like Poland, Denmark, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Outside of Europe, several hundred people have the Gehrke surname scattered throughout North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. Its incidence is highest in Toronto, New York, and Chicago. These cities have the highest population of people with the last name Gehrke in North America.

Variations of the surname Gehrke

The surname Gehrke is a German surname, which can also be spelt Gehrike, Gehriek, Gerke, Gehrk, Gericke, Gierke, Gerk, Gercke, Girk, or Gehricke. It is derived from "Ger(i)ke", a diminutive form of the old Germanic "Gerhard" or "Gerhart", meaning "brave spear". The spelling variations may reflect the various regional dialects and pronunciation styles of Germany.

This surname is also found in some other countries in somewhat modified forms. In Estonia, it is spelt as Gercke, Gercks or Gerke. In Sweden, it is spelt as Gerck or Gerka. In Netherlands, it is spelt as Berger, Berga or Gerrick. In Scotland, it is spelt as Gierke. In Poland, it is called Gerlich.

The Gehrke surname in its various forms is very rare, but there are a few instances in Germany, the United States, Sweden, and a few other countries around the world. Most people with this last name come from Germany, but it can also be found in countries like Brazil, Slovakia, Poland, Mexico, Chile, Belarus, and Latvia.

Famous people with the name Gehrke

• Peter Gehrke: professional football player
• Klaus Gehrke: German former professional footballer
• Kris Gehrke: German footballer and sprint runner
• Ernst Gehrke: German actor
• Franz Gehrke: German musicologist
• Heiner Gehrke: German actor
• Jürgen Gehrke: German actor
• Curt Gehrke: American record producer
• Richard Gehrke: German conductor
• Paul Gehrke: American art director

Other surnames

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