Last Name Gelin

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gelin

The meaning and origin of the last name Gelin

The surname Gelin has its origins in France, specifically in the region of Occitania. It is derived from the Old Occitan word "geli," which means "swallow." Surnames with bird-related names were quite common in medieval Europe as they often represented a family's place of origin or occupation. In this case, the Gelin family may have lived near a place where swallows nested or perhaps their coat of arms depicted a swallow. The name has been recorded in various spellings over the centuries, including Gelis, Gélis, Gelix, and Gélin, reflecting the linguistic evolutions that occurred in France during the Middle Ages. Today, the surname Gelin is predominantly found among families of French origin but can also be encountered in other countries with historical ties to France, such as Belgium, Canada, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gelin

The surname Gelin is predominantly distributed across Western Europe, particularly France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. In these countries, it is most frequent in regions such as Franche-Comté (Eastern France) and Wallonia (Belgium), suggesting potential origins from the historical Duchy of Burgundy or the Ardennes region. It is also found sparsely in other parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Beyond Europe, there are relatively small populations with the Gelin surname in Canada and the United States, likely as a result of French-speaking immigration from France or Belgium. A minimal presence can be traced in South America, primarily among descendants of French immigrants to countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gelin

The surname Gelin has several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions across regions and time periods. Some of the common variations include Gelin, Gelén, Gélin, and Gelinh. The French spelling of this name is Gelin, with an 'e' followed by an 'i', while the Belgian variant often includes an accent on the first letter: Gelén or Gélén. Another variation, Gelín, is found in Spanish-speaking regions. Additionally, some families may have modified the original spelling over time due to personal preference or cultural influences, resulting in variations such as Gelinh. These variations and spellings highlight the diversity and rich history of the Gelin surname across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Gelin

The Gelin surname is relatively uncommon in global fame, but there are notable figures associated with it. One of the most recognized individuals is Serge Ibaka, a professional basketball player born in the Republic of the Congo. He played for the NBA teams Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers before moving to Europe. In the field of science, Jacques Gelin was a renowned French mathematician who made significant contributions to the theory of algebraic curves and number theory in the mid-20th century. Lastly, Marie Gelin, a French archaeologist and anthropologist, has gained recognition for her work on prehistoric art and rock carvings, particularly in the Chauvet Cave in France.

Genealogical research on the last name Gelin

The surname Gelin is primarily of French origin and is believed to have derived from the Occitan word "gelin," meaning "lark." This name was often given to children born during the summer months, as larks are birds that sing during the summer season.

Notable individuals with the last name Gelin include:
-Jean Gelin (1804-1879), a French botanist who specialized in alpine flora.
-Étienne-Gaspard Robert, Count of Gelbin-Marsal (1766-1835), a French army officer during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
-François Gelin (born 1948), a Belgian politician who served as the Minister of Finance from 2008 to 2009.

The Gelin family is primarily found in France, Belgium, and neighboring regions, with smaller concentrations in other countries with French-speaking populations such as Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research indicates that the Gelin family can be traced back to the 13th century in southern France.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gelin"
• 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 : 12 June 2025