Surname Geiler - Meaning and Origin
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Geiler: What does the surname Geiler mean?
The last name Geiler is derived from the German language and means "sharper" or "keener". It is a surname that was borne by numerous families in the Middle Ages, and is an occupational name that references a seller of knives or other small tools.
The oldest documented use of the name Geiler dates back to the 13th century when a man named Rudolf Geiler was mentioned in records from Switzerland in 1290. Members of this family originally hailed from South Tyrol and quickly spread throughout the region. The name is even linked with prominent figures such as the 16th century German Lutheran theologian, Johann Geiler von Kaisersberg, and painter Jacob Paul Geiler.
The surname Geiler is found mainly in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, but can also be found in England - through immigration - and other parts of Europe.
Today, anyone with the last name Geiler likely has roots to one of the first Geiler families. This is because the name has to remained relatively uncommon, meaning it's more likely that people with the name share a common ancestor.
Order DNA origin analysisGeiler: Where does the name Geiler come from?
The last name Geiler is most commonly found in Germany, as well as across Europe. It is believed to be of German or Swiss origin and derived from the German word geil, which means "bold". It has also been used as an Anglicized version of the French given name Geilhard.
In Germany, the name is most common in the western regions near the border of France and Switzerland, namely the state of Nordrhein-Westfalen. It is also particularly prominent in the larger cities like Cologne, Essen, Dortmund, and Düsseldorf. In addition, the name can be found in other countries throughout Europe, particularly in France and Switzerland, along with their former provinces and territories.
In the United States, the last name Geiler is relatively uncommon and is mostly found in the eastern parts of the country. Most notably, between 1880 and 1920, German immigrants brought the name to Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and other areas during that period.
In recent years, the surname has become increasingly popular due to its prevalence in the German diaspora. People with the surname can also be found in other countries throughout the world, especially in Canada, Australia, and other countries with large German-speaking populations.
Variations of the surname Geiler
The surname Geiler is of German origin and dates back to the Hunting Period around the 12th century. The surnames are derived from the Middle High German word "geil" meaning wild, brave or fierce. Other variants of this surname include Gähler, Gehlhaar, Gehler, Gillar, Giehler, Giehlhaar, Geil, Geile, Geilbrenner, Geiler, Geili, Geillin, Geillinger, Geiling, Geister, Geisthaber, Geisthausen, Geiz, Geize, Gellinger, Geyl, Goeller, Goellerin, Goller, Goellinger and Gehler. All these surname variants are related to the original German word "geil" and were likely used to describe someone who acted with courage or fierceness.
Surnames with the same etymology include Gailliard, Geiles, Giehler, Giehlhaar, Gillar, Giller, Gillerot, Gilles, Gillett, Goeller, Goellinger, Goller, Goellerin, Guellard, Gele, Gail, Gailard, Gaillard, Gaulard and Galeard. Most of these variations are of French origin and were likely derived from the Old French word "gail" meaning wild or cheerful.
Most of the variants of the Geiler surname are derived from the Middle High German and Old French words, which share a similar meaning of wild, brave or fierce. Although these surnames are derived from different languages, they are related and were likely used to describe a person's behavior or attitude.
Famous people with the name Geiler
- Frederick Geiler von Kaysersberg (1445-1510), also known as Friar von Geiler, was an influential German preacher and theologian.
- Farai Geiler (born 1978), the founder of Mira Digital Publishing, an independent media company.
- Felix Geiler (1845-1912), a German zoologist and entomologist who specialized in the study of spiders and butterflies.
- Gerhard Geiler (b. 1968), a German actor and film producer.
- Gertrude Geiler (1870-1958), a Swiss photographer and painter.
- John Geiler (1923-2009), an American cinematographer who worked on films such as The Godfather and American Graffiti.
- Mark Geiler (b. 1966), an American sculptor and multimedia artist.
- Peter Geiler (1659-1719), a German baroque painter.
- Robert Geiler (1916-2010), an American architect.
- Wolf Geiler (1894-1956), a German military officer who served in both World War I and World War II.