Surname Gerauer - Meaning and Origin

Gerauer: What does the surname Gerauer mean?

The last name Gerauer is of German origin, and has several variations, including Gerhauer, Gerhaur, Gerouar, and Gerovar. The name likely derives from two German words: "ger," meaning “spear” or “missile,” and "auer," a suffix denoting a field or pasture. Thus, it is likely that the name originally referred to someone who lived near or worked a field with spears.

The Gerauer family can be found mostly in areas of Europe that have a history of German settlement, as well as parts of North America that had significant German immigration. Records of the family can be found as early as the 13th century in Bavaria, Germany. Later records indicate that the family was among the many German families to settle in present-day Pennsylvania in the late 1600s and early 1700s.

Today, the Gerauer surname continues to be found in Germany and all across the United States, and its original meaning likely remains the same. It is still used to indicate either someone who once lived in or worked a field with spears, or that someone in the family was a spear maker or seller. This powerful, meaningful name is likely to remain prevalent in various places around the world for many years to come.

Gerauer: Where does the name Gerauer come from?

The last name Gerauer is relatively uncommon today, but there are some regions where it is more commonly found. In Germany, it is most popular in the regions of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Thuringia, while in Austria it is most popular in Salzburg. It is also found in similar densities in some other parts of Central Europe, such as Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

Beyond Europe, the most common regions where the surname is found are in the US, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. In the US, it is most often found in the states of Oregon, California, Washington, Texas, and North Carolina. In Canada, the provinces where it is most commonly found are Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. In Mexico, it is most often found in the states of Jalisco, Guerrero, and Mexico City.

The name is reported to be quite rare outsider of these regions and is not found in high numbers in any other areas. It appears to have some air of prestige, likely because of the strong geographical and social connections to Europe, making it less likely to be found in other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Gerauer

The surname Gerauer has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common alternate spellings are Gerawer, Gerower, Gerwer, Gerwir, Guerrau, and Gerouer. Other surnames with the same etymology are Gwerder, Gerodier, Guerrin, Gurin, Gurrie, and Guerin.

Gerauer is a toponymic surname, which is derived from the name of the geographical area in which a particular family initially dwelled. The area, formerly known as Herware, is believed to near the town of Wertheim in Germany.

Variants of the Gerauer surname have been found in Germany dating as far back as the late 1400s. However, early records indicate that large numbers of the surname didn't enter Germany until after the Napoleonic wars of the early nineteenth century.

The surname may also appear as Gutauer. However, this name is more associated with the Bavarian region of Upper Swabia. In the Swiss canton of Aargau, the name has been recorded as Gauder. Another variant that appears mostly in Germany is Gehrlein.

In addition, spelling variants of the Gerauer surname can also be found in France, including Gourreau, Goarau, and Guerreau.

The modern-day frequency of the Gerauer surname can be traced to the new wave of immigrants who left Germany for America throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the Gerauer name is most popular in America, but can still be found in parts of Europe such as Germany and Austria.

Famous people with the name Gerauer

• Angela Gershon-Gerauer: Angela is a successful American musical theatre actress and singer, best known for playing the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz” stage production.
• Rena Gerauer: Rena was a German fashion designer and model, who was best known for her bright color, big hats and bold prints.
• Richard Gerauer: Richard was an American Modernist sculptor and landscape artist. He is best remembered for his abstracted figures in stainless steel.
• Tom Gerauer: Tom is an American biologist, best known for his work in genetic engineering and plant biology.
• Christian Gerauer: Christian is a German entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded Hauser Aviation, a leading aircraft leasing company, and is the founder of the Gerauer Foundation, which supports research in sustainable agriculture and the environment.
• Gustav Gerauer: Gustav is a 19th century German theologian, historian and poet. He is best remembered for his translation of the Bible into German.
• Stephanie Gerauer: Stephanie is a German-born film and television actress. She is best known for her roles in “One Life To Live” and “Days Of Our Lives”.
• Bill Gerauer: Bill is an American entrepreneur and author. He is best known for his book, “Let’s Make a Deal”, which focused on the world of small business.
• Roman Gerauer: Roman is best remembered for his Arctic explorations in the late 19th century. He was the leader of numerous German expeditions to the North Pole.
• Joanne Gerauer: Joanne is an American painter, best known for her impressionisticfloral still life paintings.

Other surnames

GeraudGerault