Last Name Gehrt

The surname Gehrt is of German origin. It is derived from a given name, Gerhard, which is composed of the elements "ger" meaning spear and "hard" meaning brave or hardy. As such, the surname Gehrt would have originally been a nickname for someone who was seen as brave or strong. The surname has various spellings in different regions, including Gärtner, which is the German word for gardener.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gehrt

The meaning and origin of the last name Gehrt

The surname Gehrt is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "geret," meaning "adviser" or "counselor." This name was often given to individuals who were considered wise and knowledgeable, or those who served in positions that required counseling or advising others. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname as families began to adopt occupational and descriptive names to distinguish themselves from others. The spelling variations of Gehrt include Gerhard, Gerhart, Gärtner, and other similar derivatives, reflecting the phonetic changes and regional dialects that have influenced German surnames over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gehrt

The surname Gehrt is predominantly found in Germany, particularly in the eastern and central regions such as Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, and Saxony-Anhalt, suggesting an origins in these areas. It also has significant presence in other German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in France, notably in Alsace-Lorraine, which was historically part of the Holy Roman Empire and shared cultural ties with Germany. In the United States, a notable concentration of people bearing the surname Gehrt can be found in states with a large German-American population, such as Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, indicating immigration from Germany during the 19th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gehrt

The surname Gehrt has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Gearhart, Geart, Järth, Jarte, Gerhard, Gearty, Jeart, and Jerht. These variations may arise from changes in spelling over time or from the use of different alphabets in different regions. For instance, the name might have been transliterated differently when migrants brought it to English-speaking countries from German-speaking ones. The original form of the name likely derives from the Old High German Gerhard, meaning "spear-brave" or "spear-hard."

Famous people with the last name Gehrt

Among the notable individuals with the surname Gehrt are:

1. John F. Gehrt Jr., an American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2003 to 2010.

2. Dana Gehrt, an American professional football player who played as a tight end for several teams in the National Football League (NFL), including the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins.

3. Carl Gehrt, a German-American actor who appeared in over 70 films between 1941 and 1962, including notable roles in "The Longest Day" and "The Great Escape."

4. Lisa Gehrt, an American actress known for her roles in TV series such as "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Gossip Girl," and "Blue Bloods."

5. Richard L. Gehrt, an American engineer and professor who was a leading expert in the field of fluid mechanics. He served as the Director of the Center for Turbulence Research at Stanford University.

Genealogical research on the last name Gehrt

The surname Gehrt originates from Germany and is a variant of Gerhard, which means spear-brave. It is primarily found in the Rhineland region. The earliest records of the Gehrt family date back to the 14th century in the area of Westphalia. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Germany and neighboring countries due to migrations and population movements. Notable individuals with the surname Gehrt include Johann Adam Gehrt (1748-1809), a German composer, and Friedrich Gehrt (1835-1902), a German architect known for designing several buildings in Berlin. In the United States, the name became more prevalent in the 19th century through immigration waves from Germany, with significant populations settling in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Today, the Gehrt family is found worldwide, particularly in Germany, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "gehrt"
• 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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