NomOrigine Background

Last Name Gehlen

What is the origin of the last name Gehlen?

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.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the last name Gehlen!

For 3.95 $, access the fascinating history of your last name and discover details you won't find anywhere else!

What you get for 3.95 $ :

  • Full access for 7 days
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
Yes, I want to discover the origins of the name Gehlen
🎁 Special offer : Only 3.95 $! (instead of 9.88 $)
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

Jean D.

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

Marie L.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

Paul S.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Yes, I want to discover the origins of the name Gehlen

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Paymment Secured By Stripe
Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gehlen

The meaning and origin of the last name Gehlen

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.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gehlen

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.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gehlen

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.

Famous people with the last name Gehlen

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.

Genealogical research on the last name Gehlen

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.

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Most searched last names

Adanach wubishet (Last name)

surnames > adanach-wubishet

The last name "Adanach Wubishet" originates from Ethiopia. "Adanach" is likely a surname derived from a clan or tribe within Ethiopia, while "Wubishet" is a common Ethiopian surname of Amharic origin.

Mahatamram (Last name)

surnames > mahatamram

The last name Mahatamram originated in Nepal. It is a common Nepali surname, typically associated with people from the Brahmin ethnic group. The name likely derives from Sanskrit origins, with "Mahat" meaning "great" or "noble" and "amram" potentially referenc...

Chahtik (Last name)

surnames > chahtik

The last name "Chahtik" originates from the Arabic language and is believed to be of Middle Eastern descent. It may refer to a specific place, tribe, or occupation.

Tisari (Last name)

surnames > tisari

The last name Tisari is of Finnish origin.

Saifwati (Last name)

surnames > saifwati

Saifwati is believed to have originated from the Middle East, specifically the Arabian Peninsula. It is a common surname in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The name likely has Arabic origins and may have specific meanings or...

Ksurya (Last name)

surnames > ksurya

The last name "Ksurya" is of Indonesian origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Surya," which means "sun" in English.

Noor eddin (Last name)

surnames > noor-eddin

The last name "Noor Eddin" has Arabic origins. It is a combination of the words "Noor," meaning light, and "Eddin," derived from the Arabic name "Al-Din," meaning religion or faith.

Sayedhassan (Last name)

surnames > sayedhassan

The surname Sayedhassan is of Arabic origin. It is a compound name, with "Sayed" meaning "noble" or "master" and "Hassan" being a common Arabic given name meaning "beautiful" or "handsome".

Mursahed (Last name)

surnames > mursahed

The last name "Mursahed" is of Bengali origin. It is derived from the Bengali word "mursi" meaning "respectable" or "honorable" combined with the suffix "-hed" which means "leader" or "guide."

Moynudheen (Last name)

surnames > moynudheen

The last name "Moynudheen" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the personal name "Muin ad-Din," which means "supporter of the faith" in Arabic. This surname is commonly found in certain Arabic-speaking and Muslim-majority regions.