Surname Gerartz - Meaning and Origin
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Gerartz: What does the surname Gerartz mean?
The last name Gerartz is of German origin, though it can be traced to Jewish roots. It is thought to derive from a Germanic personal name with the elements gēr, meaning ‘spear’, and waltz, meaning ‘rule’, or ‘power’. Of course, the combination of the two could also refer to a spear-wielding individual, indicative of a warrior.
The first recorded mention of the Gerartz surname dates back to the 16th century as an alternative spelling for Gersch. This variant is still found in Germany today, and it’s possible the two variants were used interchangeably to refer to the same family.
The popularity of the surname in Germany increased during the 19th century when freedom of movement and migration to urban centres made the name spread far and wide. The German wave of migration to the United States in the late 19th century also saw the Gerartz surname make its way across the Atlantic.
The name is known for its association with prominent German-American families. Some famous people bearing the Gerartz name include Lutheran theologian Wilhelm Gerartz, figure skater Emily Gerartz, and football players Tim Gerartz and Dave Gerartz.
The name Gerartz captures the spirit of a powerful warrior and one who persevered in the face of many odds. This legacy of strength and perseverance is something that is carried on to this day among many modern-day bearers of the Gerartz name.
Order DNA origin analysisGerartz: Where does the name Gerartz come from?
The last name Gerartz is common among German-speaking populations, particularly found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Italian region of South Tyrol. It is commonly recognized as a spelling variation of the more common Gerhartz, which has a distinct origin stemming from the High German term ger meaning "spear" and hart meaning "hard, strong, brave, or bold.”
The name Lorraine Gerartz-Steiner might be familiar to musical theater fans, as it belongs to the popular West End and Broadway actress.
The Gerartz-Haasse family was prominent in the 1700s in Schwaikheim, Germany, a small town near Stuttgart. In 1985, a research project to document the family’s history, “Historische Forschung zur Familie Gerartz-Haasse” was published outlining the family’s migration to Schwaikheim and other locales in the region.
Today, the name Gerartz is still widely encountered in regions where German heritage is prominent. In the United States, it is most commonly found in the Midwest, primarily in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois; home to many German American immigrants. In Canada, the last name Gerartz is more frequently encountered in the western provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Widespread German immigration throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, coupled with intermarriages, has spread the name's presence to many of the other European, Australasian, and North and South American countries. This has in turn helped to popularize the last name Gerartz around the globe.
Variations of the surname Gerartz
The surname Gerartz is believed to have originated in Germany. It is usually spelled Gerartz, but can also be spelled Garrets, Gerats, Gerrets, Gerretsen, Gareis, Gareiss, Gereis, Gereiss, Gariss, and Garrecz.
Gerartz is a Germanic surname that was derived from the given name Gere. The name Gere originated from the Old High German word gari meaning “spear”. It is likely that Gere was a nickname for someone who had skill with a spear or similar weapon, or possibly a byname for someone who sold spears.
Over time, the name began to take on new spellings. By the 13th century, the names Gerarts and Garrets were used interchangeably. In German, the name is spelled Gerets or Gerrets.
The name has remained popular in the Eastern German states such as Saxony and Thuringia, and can also be found in France, where it is sometimes spelled Gerrecz.
In the early 19th century, some of the Gerartz family moved to the United States and the name began to take on even more variations. The Americanized spellings of the name include Garats, Garriz, Gayrets, Gerrats, Gerritts, and Gerritz.
Over the centuries, the Gerartz surname has evolved and changed to accommodate different cultures and languages, but its original form – derived from the Old High German gari – remains.
Famous people with the name Gerartz
- Beatrice Gerartz: German filmmaker and director
- Robert Gerartz: retired American football player
- Joseph Gerartz: professional ice hockey goaltender
- Denise Gerartz: Spanish actress
- Anna-Lena Gerartz: German actress
- Paul Gerartz: Swiss Olympic skater
- Joe Gerartz: American soccer player
- Luciana Gerartz: Italian actress and television host
- Olaf Gerartz: German actor
- Christiane Gerartz: German painter, sculptor, and theater director.