GERDES
Gerdes
The surname Gerdes is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the personal name Gerard, which itself is of Old Germanic origins meaning "brave spear". The name Gerdes is a patronymic form, indicating "son of Gerard".
Origins
The Gerdes surname is believed to have been introduced to Britain during the Norman Conquest of 1066, with early recordings of the name dating back to medieval times. Variants of the name include Girkin, Gear, and Girkin.
Distribution
The surname Gerdes is not very common in the United Kingdom, with higher concentrations found in the regions of East Anglia and the South East. Many bearers of the name have also emigrated to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Bearers
- John Gerdes (1803–1848): British botanist known for his extensive studies of seaweed.
- Rachel Gerdes (b. 1975): Acclaimed British actress who has appeared in several notable theatre productions.
- Dr. Henry Gerdes (1921–2005): Renowned British physician and medical researcher who made significant contributions to the field of neurology.
Conclusion
The surname Gerdes is a reminder of the Norman influence on British surnames and has been borne by individuals who have made notable contributions to various fields. Its scarcity in the UK adds to the intrigue surrounding this distinctive surname.
There are approximately 128 people named Gerdes in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Gerdes.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Germany
Language of origin: German
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Craig
- Ian
- Jens
- Mark
- Mikkel
Female
- Birgit
- Gretelinde
- Janet
- Mavis
- Rose