Last Name Gehling

The surname Gehling is of German origin and is derived from a geographical name for someone who lived near a hedge or enclosure. It is formed by combining the Old High German word "gagal" meaning hedge, fence, or enclosure, and the suffix "-ing," which indicates a residence. This surname first appeared in Germany during the Middle Ages as a topographic name for someone who lived near such an enclosure.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gehling

The meaning and origin of the last name Gehling

The surname Gehling is of German origin, derived from various place names that share the same etymology. The name is often associated with locations named "Gehlen," which come from the Middle High German word "gehhou" or Old High German "gaihha," meaning "heather-covered hill." Over time, inhabitants of these locales adopted the name as a form of identification. As with many surnames, the Gehling family expanded beyond its original geographic location and spread across regions, particularly in Germany and areas inhabited by German settlers such as North America. The name has since evolved and may be spelled differently among various families but retains its German roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gehling

The surname Gehling is predominantly found in Germany, particularly in regions such as Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, suggesting its origin from these areas. However, there are also significant numbers of people with the last name Gehling in other parts of Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavia, due to migration and historical connections between these countries. In North America, the name is predominantly found among German immigrants who settled in the United States and Canada during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with larger populations in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota, as well as provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia. In Australia, a smaller number of people bearing the surname Gehling can be found primarily in New South Wales and Queensland, reflecting the migration of Europeans to Australia during the same time period.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gehling

The surname Gehling has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of these variations include Gehlein, Geiling, Geilinger, Gehlen, Gehlin, Gehelin, and Ghelin. These variations may be found across different countries, particularly in Germany and other regions where German-speaking immigrants have settled. The root of the name is likely derived from a topographical or occupational reference. For instance, it could originate from the Old High German word "gahalon" meaning "hut," indicating a person who lived near a hut or structure, or from an occupation related to thatch or rooftops. It's essential to note that these variations may lead to misinterpretations in family history research, making it crucial for researchers to explore multiple spellings when tracing ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Gehling

Notable individuals with the surname Gehling include:

1. Timothy Geithner (born 1961), an American economist and politician who served as the 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013.

2. Lisa Gehling, a renowned Canadian librarian and author, known for her work on bibliographies in children's literature.

3. Hans-Jürgen Gehling (born 1957), a German former footballer who played as a forward for clubs like FC Bayern Munich and SV Austria Salzburg, and the West Germany national team.

4. Richard Gehling (born 1960), a German mathematician known for his work on graph theory, combinatorics, and discrete mathematics.

5. Jens Gehling (born 1972), a German former footballer who played as a forward for teams like VfL Bochum and FC St. Pauli, and the Germany U-21 national team.

Each of these individuals has made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Gehling

The surname Gehling originates from Germany and is believed to have derived from various places with the same name across several German states. One of the earliest recorded instances of this name was a Peter Gehling, who lived in Saxony during the mid-16th century. Over time, the family migrated from Germany to other parts of Europe, including Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many individuals with the surname Gehling emigrated to North America, primarily settling in the United States and Canada. Today, the Gehling family is widely distributed across these continents, with notable concentrations in the Midwestern United States and Ontario, Canada. Genealogical research on this name continues to uncover new connections among its descendants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gehling"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends