Surname Geier - Meaning and Origin

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S. Geier

Geier: What does the surname Geier mean?

The last name Geier is a German surname that originated from the Middle Ages. The name was originally derived from the word "geier” which means “vulture.” The name was most likely given as a nickname or occupational name for people who hunted vultures, though it could also refer to people who were thought to have similar traits to the bird.

In some areas in Germany, and other parts of Central Europe where the name is common, the name also has a connection to Middle High German landholders called "Geier," who served as creditors, tax collectors, financiers, or lenders. During the feudal era, these people often acted as agents for the ruling elite.

In modern times, the surname is still quite popular in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and neighboring countries, as well as in the United States, Canada, and other countries where people of Germanic and Central European descent have settled.

In general, the last name Geier is associated with a sense of cunning, but also of reliability. It is common for people with the surname Geier to be thought of as reliable, dependable individuals with a strong sense of financial responsibility. People with this surname are also known for their passion and their ability to rise to the challenge.

Geier: Where does the name Geier come from?

The last name Geier is most common in German-speaking countries, particularly in Germany and Austria. Geier is the German word for vulture, so the name is likely of nickname origin. It is believed to have originated with the Germanic tribes that invaded and settled in Europe during the Migration Period.

Geier likely spread throughout the Germanic-speaking world during the Middle Ages. The name can be found in records dating back to the 16th century. Today, the surname is most common in Germany and Austria. According to the German Federal Statistics Office, Geier is the 134th most common surname in Germany and the 135th most common in Austria. It is also fairly common in other German-speaking countries, like Switzerland, and can be found across Europe, the United States, and other parts of the world.

Geier is not an especially uncommon name, though its prevalence does seem to make it somewhat of a rarity outside of German-speaking countries. It is one of the few surnames that are recognizably derived from the German language.

Variations of the surname Geier

The surname Geier is an occupational surname originating in Germany, which means ‘vulture or eagle’. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin of Geier are Geyer, Gear, Gayer, Geare, Gaer, Gare, Gaier, Garey, Gair, Gayre, Gayr, Gayar, Gayor, Gaylord, Gayler and Gailer.

The earliest known record of the Geier surname appears in the 13th century in the Frank Spirit Griefen and Strohmenger of Germany. The first variant spelling, Geyer, is found in records of 1582 in the old city of Regensburg in Bavaria. The earliest record of the Gear spelling dates to 1650 in the Imperial City of Reichenberg, now in the Czech Republic.

Geier is a popular surname in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South Tyrol. In the United States it can be found in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas and elsewhere. Some notable people associated with Geier are the German novelist and translator Ernst Geier, the German-born American journalist and newspaper editor Charles Geier, the Austrian sports commentator and presenter Patrick Geier, and the Colombian singer Juliana Geier.

The name Geier is derived from the Middle High German word gïr or gër, meaning eagle or vulture. It is usually believed to have been given to families of hunters or falconers who specialised in hunting birds of prey. It may also be derived from the Norse word geir, which was originally used of a spearman or javelin.

Famous people with the name Geier

• Katie Geier: Katie Geier is an actress and voice actor who has starred in such films as Piranha 3DD and Stung.
• Richard Geier: Richard Geier is an actor, producer, and director who has produced two feature films and directed one.
• Robert Geier: Robert Geier is a renowned scientist and professor at the University of Arizona who was the first to demonstrate the role of hormones in working memory.
• Chris Geier: Chris Geier is a professional cyclist who has won multiple national championships and races in the United States.
• Don Geier: Don Geier is a professional art curator who specializes in modern and contemporary art.
• Debra Geier: Debra Geier is a modern dance choreographer and performer who often blends elements of theater and comedy into her performances.
• Dave Geier: Dave Geier is a musician, composer, and producer who tours with many popular rock and pop acts.
• Charles Geier, Jr.: Charles Geier, Jr. is a professional pilot and instructor with over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry.
• Karl Geier: Karl Geier is a professional photographer who specializes in documentary photography.
• Stephen Geier: Stephen Geier is an award-winning comedy writer who has written for late-night television and film.

Other surnames

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