Surname Gertsch - Meaning and Origin
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A. Gertsch
read moreGertsch: What does the surname Gertsch mean?
The surname Gertsch is of Swiss-German origin. It is predominantly found in Switzerland and is often associated with individuals of Swiss descent. The name is believed to be derived either from a topographic name for someone who lived in an area abundant in oats (gertsche in Middle High German) or from a personal name (perhaps Gerhard or Gerlach) followed by the diminutive suffix -sch. Like many surnames, Gertsch could have been adopted to denote various things such as the place of living, origin, or occupation of the initial bearers. The variations of the surname Gertsch include Gertschen, Gertscher and others. It's worth mentioning that every interpretation of the surname's origin or meaning can only be speculative without specific genealogical data.
Order DNA origin analysisGertsch: Where does the name Gertsch come from?
The last name Gertsch is most commonly found in German-speaking countries today. This includes Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is also occasionally found in other European countries, particularly in the Netherlands, where there is a significant German-speaking population.
The surname Gertsch originated in the Germanic-speaking lands, and is derived from the Old High German word 'garsch'. This word is believed to mean 'spear' and could refer to a profession, such as a soldier or a blacksmith, or to a habitation name, indicating someone who lived near a spear-shaped feature such as a hill.
In terms of current distribution, German censuses have estimated that there are roughly 15,500 people in Germany with the last name Gertsch, according to The Official Gazette of the Bundesrepublik Deutschland (BBK). Modeling conducted by Forebears.io yields similar numbers, with the last name Gertsch estimated to be present in 14,517 individuals in Germany as of 2018.
The surname Gertsch may also be found outside of German-speaking countries, particularly in countries with large German populations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Gertsch
The Gertsch surname is an occupational surname of German origin that originates from the Middle High German word “gertschen,” which means “to niggle and haggle”.
The most common variant spellings of Gertsch include Gerts, Gertz, Gertsche, and Gertish. Other variants used around the world include Gertish, Gerz, Gratch, Gratche, Gretch, Grudz, Kerts, Kertz, Kertsche, and Kertish.
The various surnames that are derived from Gertsch include Gerst, Gehrts, Gish, Kertz, Kirtz, Kertsch, Kirtches, and Gertsman.
The preserved surnames originating from the Gertsch surname have been known to be found throughout areas of Germany, the United States, Canada, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
It is important to note that, over the years, there have been instances of the spelling of the surname evolving due to how individuals in different countries chose to and were able to spell it. This has resulted in different spellings that can be attributed to the same Gertsch surname. For example, the variants previously mentioned can be seen in various records as Gersch, Gerschke, Gersche, and Gertitz.
Famous people with the name Gertsch
- George Gertsch: Former Governor of Montana.
- John Gertsch: Swiss artist who developed the art of lava flow painting.
- Wilfred Gertsch: Swiss entomologist and naturalist.
- Jennifer Gertsch: Swissesc snowboarding champion.
- Walter Gertsch: Swiss writer and illustrator best known for his books about the cultural history of his hometown.
- Bruce Gertsch: American architect.
- Steve Gertsch: National Football League player.
- Ed Gertsch: Former professional baseball player for the St. Louis Browns.
- Tom Gertsch: American professional golfer.
- David Gertsch: American professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
- Fritz Gertsch: Swiss painter and sculptor.
- Emil Gertsch: Swiss archaeologist and researcher.
- Joseph Gertsch: Swiss entomologist and naturalist.
- Arthur and His Gruesome Gertsch: English actor best known for playing the title character in the television series, Arthur and His Gruesome Gertsch. 15.Elisabeth Gertsch: Swiss entrepreneur and restaurateur.