Surname Geyer - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling My Roots: How My iGENEA DNA Test Influenced My Perception of the Geyer Surname and My Family Identity
After the profound revelations from my iGENEA DNA test, my perception surrounding my family history and the surname 'Geyer' has been wholly transformed. The results have unveiled my German roots and stirred a journey into cultural exploration and self-discovery. As a result, I've fostered a deep connection with my ancestry, significantly boosting my sense of social self-identity and respect for my familial heritage.
Z. Geyer
read moreGeyer: What does the surname Geyer mean?
The last name Geyer is believed to have first originated in Germany and is thought to have derived from several sources. The Middle High German word “gicar” was commonly used to refer to gypsies, and it is possible that the name was originally given to those who were thought to have Romani origin and were often seen as entertainers or musicians. Alternatively, the name might be derived from the Latin word “Geier”, which translates as “vulture”, and could have been given to individuals who had a strong sense of observation and knowledge of the environment.
Although there are a number of variations on the name, such as Geier, Gayer, Geierhaupt, Heier, Heyr, Geir, Ger, Gereb and Geyr, the core meaning of the name has remained the same over the centuries. It can be said that these variations relate back to the original Gypsy and Vulture meanings, and the intended meaning is usually that of noting an individualized person who has unique knowledge and disputes constructed ideas.
Though the history of the name is often the subject of debate, one thing is certain; it has been in use for many centuries as a surname. It can be found on records from as early as the 16th century, and today, it is still present in many countries in Europe and the Americas.
Order DNA origin analysisGeyer: Where does the name Geyer come from?
The surname Geyer is common today in both Germany and Austria. It is most commonly found in the German region of Bavaria, with large concentrations in the cities of Munich, Nurnberg, and Regensburg. Geyer is also common in Germany's Black Forest region and Austria's Styria region.
Geyer is derived from the German word geyer, meaning a large, powerful bird of prey. The surname is thought to refer to a person who was associated with such a bird, such as a falconer or trainer. It could also be the name of someone who had a house or barn with a geyer perched nearby.
Geyer is a relatively common surname in Germany and Austria, although it is not as popular as some other surnames. According to surname popularity data compiled by the Genealogical Society of Utah, there were approximately 35,000 people in Germany with the surname Geyer in 2019. In Austria, Geyer is the forty-sixth most common surname, based on statistics from the Austrian government. Out of a population of approximately 8.8 million people, there were more than 11,500 Austrians with the surname Geyer in 2019.
The surname Geyer is also found in other countries around the world, such as Italy, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, due to emigration of German and Austrian people over the years.
Variations of the surname Geyer
Geyer is a German surname derived from the Middle High German word, “geiher”, which means “guzzler” or “boaster”. The name arose during the Middle Ages as a nickname for an individual who enjoyed drinking excessively, or who spoke boastfully. This surname is found widely throughout the German-speaking world and is also well established in the United States and Canada.
Common variants of the Geyer surname include Geier, Geere, Geyer, Geyers, Gayer, Gayers and Geyer. These spellings are found in various European countries, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria and Poland.
The Geyer name can also be found as the surnames Gayer, Giehr, Giesser, Geisser, Gresser, Gasser, Geyser, Gyser, Jaeger, Jager and Jegers. Common anglicized variants include Gee, Gay, Gaylor, Geis, Gees, Geise and Gasser.
Geyer family members who emigrated to the United States or Canada may have adopted slightly different spellings of the surname, including Gier, Györ, Gaynor, Gyger, Giger, Goyer, Gior, Gyar, Giar and Giaer.
In Germany, the Geyer surname is most densely concentrated in the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia. Although the name is found throughout Europe, it is at its highest frequency in Germany where it is the 349th most common name.
In the United States, Geyer is one of the most popular surnames and is ranked four thousand six hundredth in frequency. It is especially prevalent in Texas, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
There are many variants of the Geyer surname and the spelling may be slightly altered in different countries and regions. However, all variants of the Geyer surname share the same origin and meaning.
Famous people with the name Geyer
- Sascha Geyer: Professional BMX and mountain bike rider
- Barry Geyer: Former NFL player
- Steve Geyer: Professional baseball player
- Charles Geyer: American actor
- Julia Geyer- Professional golfer
- John Geyer: Former World Cup alpine ski racer
- Uli Geyer: Choir conductor
- Peter Geyer: Author
- Mia Geyer: American violinist
- Mario Geyer: Former German handball player
- Landon Geyer: American actor
- Matt Geyer: Former rugby league footballer
- Gilbert Geyer: Renowned artists from Goslar
- Robert Geyer: Former professional soccer player from Germany
- D'Metrius Geyer: Entrepreneur and business consultant
- Richard Geyer: Historian and author
- Hans-Jörg Geyer: Contemporary sculptor
- Sepp Geyer: German skiing pioneer
- Amy Geyer: Professional racing cyclist
- Marianne Geyer: Female ice hockey forward