Last Name Geryon

The last name Geryon is ultimately derived from the Ancient Greek mythological character Geryon. In Greek mythology, Geryon was a fearsome giant with three heads and three bodies who was slain by the hero Hercules as part of his Twelve Labors. The name Geryon itself is of uncertain origin, but it is believed to be derived from the Greek word "gerys" meaning "old" or "gray." It is possible that the last name Geryon originated as a surname for someone who was associated with the mythological figure Geryon in some way, such as a descendent or someone who shared similar physical characteristics. Over time, the surname Geryon may have been passed down through generations and eventually become a relatively common surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Geryon

The meaning and origin of the last name Geryon

The surname Geryon is of Greek origin and is derived from the mythological character Geryon, a fearsome giant with three heads and bodies who was defeated by the hero Heracles as part of his twelve labors. In Greek mythology, Geryon was said to be a son of Chrysaor and Callirrhoe, and ruled the island of Erytheia, where he guarded a herd of red cattle. The name Geryon is believed to be derived from the Greek word "geryo" meaning "to shout" or "to roar," possibly indicating his fearsome and formidable nature. The surname Geryon may have been given to individuals who displayed similar traits of strength, power, or courage, or who were descendants of individuals associated with the mythological figure.

Geographical distribution of the last name Geryon

The last name Geryon is relatively rare and is most commonly found in France. It is primarily concentrated in the regions of Alsace and Lorraine. Additionally, there are smaller pockets of individuals with the last name Geryon in Belgium and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, there are very few instances of the surname Geryon. In the United States, there are a few scattered individuals with this last name, primarily in metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles. In Canada, the name Geryon is almost non-existent, with only a handful of individuals bearing this surname. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Geryon is quite limited and primarily concentrated in specific regions of Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Geryon

Variations and spellings of the last name Geryon include Geryen, Geryan, Gerryon, Jeryon, Jeryan, Jerion, and Jerian. The name may also be spelled as Geryonne, Geryanu, Geryoni, Geryonov, or Geryonova depending on the country of origin or the individual's preference. Additionally, variations like Jerryon, Jerrion, and Jerrian can be common in certain regions or among specific families. The surname Geryon has its roots in Greek mythology, as Geryon was a fearsome giant with three heads and bodies in ancient legend. Over time, the variations and spellings of the name have evolved as it spread to different parts of the world and was adapted to various languages and dialects. Today, individuals with the last name Geryon or its variations can be found in different countries across the globe.

Famous people with the last name Geryon

There are no famous people with the last name Geryon. Geryon is a figure from Greek mythology, a giant with three heads and three bodies who is known for being defeated by the hero Heracles in his tenth labor. The name Geryon is not commonly used as a surname in real life, and there are no well-known individuals who bear this name. In literature, the character of Geryon has been depicted in various forms, including in Dante Alighieri's "Inferno" as a monster in the eighth circle of Hell. However, in terms of famous people, the name Geryon is not associated with any notable figures or public figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Geryon

The last name Geryon has its roots in Greek mythology, where Geryon was a fearsome giant with three heads and three bodies who guarded a herd of red cattle. The name is believed to be of ancient Greek origin, derived from the word "geryon," meaning "wild warrior." Over time, the name has evolved and spread through various regions, including Spain, where it is associated with the region of Catalonia. The surname Geryon can be traced back to medieval times, with records of individuals carrying the name found in historical documents and genealogical records. Today, individuals with the last name Geryon can be found around the world, with diverse backgrounds and family histories that reflect their ancestral connections to the legendary figure of Geryon.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "geryon"
• 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 : 8 June 2025

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