Last Name Gehrke

The surname Gehrke is of German origin. It is derived from various places named Gerke, Gerkebach, and Gerkel, found primarily in the regions of Westphalia and Lower Saxony in Germany. The name is a topographic or local name for someone who lived near a gnarled tree, as "Gehrke" is a diminutive form of "Gerke," which means "crooked." As with many surnames, the Gehrkes migrated to other countries throughout history, including North America, where they became established.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gehrke

The meaning and origin of the last name Gehrke

The surname Gehrke is of German origin and is derived from various place names in Germany, particularly those associated with geographical features such as forests or hills. One possible source of the name is Gerke, a village in Lower Saxony, which means "little forest" in Old High German. Another potential origin is the Old High German word "gerahha," meaning "a clearing in the woods." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied, including Gahrke, Geerke, and others, reflecting regional dialects and transcription errors. The name became more common in regions where German immigrants settled, such as the United States and Canada, particularly in the 19th century. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gehrke

The surname Gehrke is predominantly distributed across Germany and regions with German-speaking populations, such as Austria and Switzerland, due to its Germanic origins. It is also found in the United States, particularly among descendants of Germans who immigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In North America, significant concentrations of Gehrke individuals can be found in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in countries with historical German migration, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Outside these areas, the name's distribution is relatively limited.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gehrke

The surname Gehrke has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some of these include:

1. Gehrke: This is the most common spelling, originating from German roots. It's a variant of the original name Gericke or Gerike.

2. Gierke: This is another variant of the surname Gehrke, also of German origin. The 'h' and 'r' may have been interchanged in some records over time.

3. Gierk: A shorter version of both Gehrke and Gierke, it shares a similar origin and meaning.

4. Gerike (or Gericke): These are older forms of the name Gehrke, which may have evolved into more common spellings over time.

5. Geirich: While not directly related to Gehrke, this name shares a similar root in Old High German and could potentially be confused due to phonetic similarity.

Famous people with the last name Gehrke

Notable individuals with the surname Gehrke include:

1. Richard Gehrke (born 1943), an American politician who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1987 to 1996.
2. David J. Gehrke (born 1952), an American author and professor of philosophy known for his work on ethics, environmental philosophy, and animal rights.
3. Thomas W. Gehrke (1906-1987), an American World War II pilot and recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action during the war.
4. Janet Gehrke (born 1957), an American professional wrestler who competed under the ring name Janet Tyler in the National Wrestling Alliance and the Women's Pro Wrestling Association.
5. Kerry Gehrke (born 1962), an American former professional ice hockey player who played for several teams in the National Hockey League, including the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings.

Genealogical research on the last name Gehrke

The surname Gehrke is believed to have originated in Germany, specifically the region of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg. It's derived from the Old High German "Gerchin" or "Gerhard," meaning spear-brave or brave with a spear. The name was brought to North America by German immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas. Notable figures with the surname Gehrke include Arthur Gehrke, an American architect known for his work on the Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels in Minneapolis, and Dietrich Gehrke, a German World War II submarine commander. Genealogical research indicates that various spelling variations exist, including Gerke, Gärke, and others, due to transliteration differences over time and across regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gehrke"
• 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

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