Gerrard

Gerrard is a British surname of Old French and Germanic origins. The name is thought to have been brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The surname is derived from the Old French personal name "Gerard", which is composed of the elements "gari", meaning "spear", and "hard", meaning "brave" or "strong".

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Gerrard is most commonly found in the North West of England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire and Merseyside. It is also prevalent in Scotland, particularly in Glasgow and other urban areas. The popularity of the surname has spread due to migration and historical movements of people.

Notable Individuals

  • Steven Gerrard (b. 1980) - A former professional footballer, Steven Gerrard is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of English football. He spent the majority of his playing career at Liverpool FC and also represented the England national team.
  • Eliza Emily Gerrard (1832–1912) - A British writer and women's rights activist, Eliza Emily Gerrard was a prominent figure in the Victorian era, campaigning for women's suffrage and social reform.
  • John Gerrard (b. 1974) - An Irish contemporary artist known for his pioneering work in digital and new media art. John Gerrard's installations often explore themes of technology, society, and the environment.

References

  • Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.
  • Redmonds, George. Surnames and Genealogy: A New Approach. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2002.

There are approximately 7,135 people named Gerrard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,323rd most common surname in Britain. Around 110 in a million people in Britain are named Gerrard.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Anne
  • Caroline
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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