Last Name Giere

The last name Giere is of German origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle High German word "geier" which means 'vulture' or 'eagle'. It was likely used by someone who had a profession related to these birds, such as a falconer or a bird catcher. The spelling variations of this name include Geier, Geyr and Gayer.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giere

The meaning and origin of the last name Giere

The surname Giere is of German origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "geier," which means "vulture." This surname was likely given to someone who had a profession related to vultures, such as a falconer or a butcher who used vultures for their work. The use of birds of prey in medieval Europe was common for hunting and for display during feasts. Over time, the name spread throughout Germany, where it remains relatively uncommon today. Variations of this surname include Geier, Geyer, and Göyer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giere

The surname Giere is predominantly distributed in Germany and its surrounding regions, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony, which are among the most populous states in Germany. Smaller concentrations can also be found in other parts of Europe, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Poland, due to historical migration patterns and the dispersal of German-speaking populations across the continent. Additionally, there have been instances of families with the Giere surname in the United States, primarily in the Midwest, where German immigration was prevalent in the 19th century. However, its frequency in these regions is significantly less compared to Germany and other European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giere

The last name Giere has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation from one language to another. Some common variations include: Giehr, Geier, Geir, Geyer, Geyr, and Guyar. These variations may stem from regional dialects or errors in transcribing the name over time. The name is of German origin, with "Gieher" being an early form dating back to 1296, derived from the Old High German word "geihar," meaning "raven." The modern spelling Giere is less common but is still used in some families. It's essential to note that the spelling can vary significantly among different branches of the same family due to factors such as local dialects and personal preference, making it challenging to trace all lineages conclusively.

Famous people with the last name Giere

The Giere surname is notably represented by several prominent figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Thomas Giere, an American football coach who served as the head coach for the Portland State Vikings football team from 2008 to 2019. He is recognized for leading the Vikings to their first Big Sky Conference Championship in 2012 and two NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearances.

In music, there is Mark Giere, a composer and conductor who has made significant contributions to the field of choral music. His works have been performed by choirs around the world, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Vienna Boys' Choir.

Lastly, in the realm of academia, there is Karlheinz Giere, a German mathematician known for his work on numerical methods in linear algebra and his significant contributions to the field of scientific computing. He has published numerous articles and books, and was the recipient of several prestigious awards for his achievements. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments associated with the Giere surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Giere

The Giere surname is of German origin, primarily found in the regions of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "geier," meaning 'vulture' or 'falcon,' which referred to a birdcatcher or falconer. The first recorded occurrence of the Giere surname was in the late medieval period, around the 14th century. Among the earliest known bearers of this name are Konrad der Geier and Heinrich der Geier, documented in the early 1400s in Swabia and Bavaria respectively. The family expanded and migrated throughout Germany during the following centuries, with significant numbers settling in other European countries such as Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Hungary due to historical events like the Thirty Years' War and industrialization. Today, the Giere name can be found across Europe and North America, predominantly among people of Germanic descent.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Giere"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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