The surname "Gehlen" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "gel(e)n," which means "to yell" or "to shout." It is believed that the surname may have originally been a nickname for someone who was loud or outspoken. Over time, the surname evolved into "Gehlen" and became a common surname in Germany.
The surname Gehlen is of German origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Gelon," which is a diminutive form of the name "Gebhardt." The name "Gebhardt" itself is composed of the elements "geb" meaning "gift" and "hard" meaning "brave" or "strong." Therefore, Gehlen could be interpreted as "son of Gelon" or "descendant of Gebhardt." The surname Gehlen is primarily found in Germany, particularly in the Rhineland region. Over time, variations of the surname may have developed, such as Gelen, Gelan, or Gehlens. The name Gehlen likely originated as a patronymic surname, signifying the familial relation to an ancestor with the given name Gelon or Gebhardt. Today, individuals with the surname Gehlen can be found across the globe, often tracing their ancestry back to Germany.
The last name Gehlen is primarily found in Germany, particularly in the western regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also present in Luxembourg, where it is more commonly spelled as Gelen or Gehlen. In the United States, the surname is most prevalent in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, where many descendants of German immigrants have settled. Additionally, there are smaller numbers of individuals with the name Gehlen in other countries with German ancestry, such as Canada and Australia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Gehlen reflects its German origins and the migration patterns of individuals with this surname over the years.
Variations and spellings of the last name Gehlen include Gehl, Geilen, Gehlin, Geilin, and Gellen. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or changes in spelling over time. The surname Gehlen is of German origin and is derived from the Old High German word "geil" which means "enthusiastic" or "eager". It is a relatively uncommon surname but can be found in various regions of Germany. Family names often evolve and change over centuries, leading to different spellings and variations among descendants. It is important for individuals researching their family history to be aware of these variations in order to accurately trace their lineage and ancestry.
One of the most famous individuals with the last name Gehlen is Reinhard Gehlen, a German general who served as the chief of the Foreign Armies East, a military intelligence organization during World War II. Gehlen played a crucial role in espionage activities against the Soviet Union and later went on to establish the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), the West German intelligence agency. Another notable figure with the surname Gehlen is Herta Schröter-Gehlen, a German physician and psychiatrist known for her work in child psychiatry. She made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of childhood mental health issues. Both Reinhard Gehlen and Herta Schröter-Gehlen have left a lasting impact on their respective fields and continue to be remembered for their accomplishments.
The surname Gehlen is of German origin and is derived from the personal name Gehl, which is a short form of the name Gebhard. The name Gebhard itself is of Old High German origin and means "brave as a spear." The Gehlen family may have originated from the Rhineland region of Germany, specifically in areas such as North Rhine-Westphalia or Rhineland-Palatinate. Throughout history, individuals with the surname Gehlen may have been members of the nobility or held prominent positions in society. Genealogical research on the Gehlen name can reveal ancestral connections to other prominent families in Germany and Europe. Today, individuals with the last name Gehlen can still be found in Germany as well as in countries such as the United States and Canada, where they have likely migrated over the centuries.
Enter the surname you are looking for below:
surnames > gehalawat
The last name "Gehalawat" is likely of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Gujarat or the surrounding region. It may have roots in the Gujarati language or culture.
surnames > gehani
The last name Gehani is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Hindi word "gehna," meaning jewelry or precious ornament. It is likely an occupational surname given to individuals...
surnames > gehbauer
The last name Gehbauer is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "gebeure" which means "farmhand" or "peasant". Over time, this occupational surname was l...
surnames > gehi
The last name "Gehi" is of Indian origin, specifically from the state of Gujarat. It is a surname commonly found among the Jain and Hindu communities in the region. The name may be...
surnames > gehm
The origins of the last name "Gehm" are German. It is derived from a Germanic personal name, which in turn comes from the Old High German word "gê" meaning "spear." Over time, thi...