Last Name Geier

Learn more about the origin of the last name Geier

The meaning and origin of the last name Geier

The surname Geier is of German and Swiss origins, derived from the Middle High German word 'geier' which means 'vulture'. It was an occupational name for a falconer or bird trainer, as vultures were used during medieval times to train other birds of prey for hunting purposes. Additionally, the name could also have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where vultures nested, or a nickname for someone thought to have resemblance to a vulture due to physical appearance or behavior. The surname has variants such as Gaehler, Geehr, and Keer in different parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Geier

The surname Geier is predominantly of German origin and is widely distributed throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reflecting its historical roots in those regions. Variations such as Gaehler, Gaier, Geil, and Gögel are also found among the Germanic-speaking population. Outside of Europe, significant populations bearing the surname can be found in countries with a strong German immigration history, notably the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Within the U.S., states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin exhibit higher concentrations of individuals with the Geier surname due to the German immigrants who settled there during the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, a noticeable presence can be found in Australian cities like Adelaide and Perth, where early European settlers also originated from Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Geier

The surname Geier, which originates from Germanic roots, has several variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences in transcription. Some of these include Gaehler, Gaer, Gayhr, Gehirn, Geer, Geher, Geherr, Geir, Geirich, Geyr, and Geyer. These variations may have arisen over time due to factors such as dialectical differences, spelling reforms, or errors in transcription by officials during immigration processes. Despite these variations, all these surnames share a common origin and are generally pronounced similarly.

Famous people with the last name Geier

Notable individuals with the surname Geier include:

1. Hans Geiger (1882-1945), a German physicist who is best known for developing the Geiger counter, a device used to detect ionizing radiation.

2. Johannes Geier (born 1960), a German politician who served as the Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection in the government of Angela Merkel from 2018 to 2021.

3. Thomas Geiger (1714-1785), a Swiss botanist who is credited with introducing the genus Geum, or common bedstraw, into European scientific literature.

4. Adolf von Geier (1897-1962), a German general who served as Chief of Staff of the Wehrmacht from 1945 to 1947.

5. Max Geiger (1903-1989), a Swiss gymnast who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics and won a gold medal as part of the Swiss team in the men's team, Swedish system event.

6. Uwe Geier (born 1957), a German former footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund.

Genealogical research on the last name Geier

The surname Geier, meaning "falcon" or "eagle" in German, is common among Germanic populations. Originating from the Middle Ages, it was a hereditary occupational name for a falconer or a professional bird catcher. It has also been used as a topographic name for someone living near an area where falcons nested or bred. The Geier family can be traced back to regions such as Swabia and Bavaria in southern Germany, with early records dating back to the 13th century. Notable figures with this surname include Johann Christoph Geiger (1729-1791), a German music composer, and Henry Geier (1875-1946), an American football player who played for the University of Michigan Wolverines in the early 20th century. The Geier lineage is widespread, with descendants scattered globally due to historical migration patterns.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Geier"
• 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