Surname Geisshirt - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Geisshirt: What does the surname Geisshirt mean?
The last name Geisshirt is of German origin and is derived from a combination of two words: “Geiß,” which means “goat” in German, and “Hirt,” which means “shepherd.” This name is thought to have emerged from an old German proverb which states, “Ein geißhirt gibt ein gutes leben” or “Goatherds have a good life.” It is believed that this phrase, which alludes to the fact that the job of taking care of goats would be a satisfying and remunerative one, eventually became the basis for the formation of the last name Geisshirt.
While this last name might have started out as a phrase associating the job of taking care of goats with a good life, it has likely come to mean much more to those who bear it. For many, the name is a reminder of a centuries-old tradition of taking care of and providing for families through the raising of goats. It celebrates the values of hard work and dedication that have been passed down from generation to generation. It is also a reminder of the importance of caring for and protecting all of the animals on the farm or in the family. For some, the name has come to represent a sense of pride and purpose, as they continue to carry on that legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisGeisshirt: Where does the name Geisshirt come from?
The last name Geisshirt is most commonly found today in Germany, followed by Austria and Switzerland. According to research from Germany, the surname is quite common in the country, and is generally associated with families hailing from the Bavarian region of Germany.
The last name is thought to stem from a personal name, and be derived from 'Gese's shirt' – from the Bavarian word "Ges" meaning 'sister' or 'kinsman', and "Shert" or "Schurt" meaning 'shirt'. Many have used the surname for centuries, with the earliest known occurrences of the name taking place around 1702.
Outside of Germany, the Geisshirt surname is often found in the United States, Canada and even Australia, as many with the name have migrated to these countries over the years. On records such as the 1850 US Census, it can be found scattered around throughout the United States, with several individuals sporting the name in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri.
Today, the name is relatively rare, with estimations suggesting that only around 5,646 individuals within Germany still have the surname. That said, its origins make it one of the oldest last names around!
Variations of the surname Geisshirt
The surname Geisshirt has a variety of different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Some of the most common are Geisser, Geissmann, Geissler, Geisslerin, Geissbauer, Geisshofer, Geissig, Geissinger, Geissle, Geissner, Geisswanger, and Geissweiler.
The German form of the surname Geisshirt is Geißhirt. It is derived from the Old German word ‘Geiz’, meaning goat. It is likely that the name referred to a person who owned or raised goats, as the Old German word ‘geiz’ could also refer to cattle or goat herding. Over time, this name has evolved into various spellings, including the English spelling Geisshirt.
The variants Geisser and Geissmann are used more commonly in Switzerland, while Geisslerin is frequently used as a feminine version of the surname. Geissbauer is used to denote someone who owned or worked on a goat barn, while Geisshofer was traditionally used to denote someone who sold goats.
The surname Geissig is used to denote someone who owned a large herd of goats and is usually found in Austria. Meanwhile, Geissinger is a denomination of the surname derived fromGeissner, and is typically found in Bavaria. Geissle, Geisswanger, and Geissweiler are all derivatives of the surname and provide a more modern version of the traditional Geisshirt spelling.
All of these various spellings, variants, and surnames are derived from the original Old German word describing someone who owned or worked with goats. While the surname is not particularly common, it still maintains numerous derivatives throughout different parts of Europe.
Famous people with the name Geisshirt
- Gerd Geißhirt: Goalkeeper born in 1955 who played for the German football clubs SV Waldhof Mannheim, VfR Mannheim, and TSV Amicitia Viernheim.
- Major Hermann Geißhirt: German air force soldier awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords during World War II.
- Klaus Geißhirt: German sprint canoeist who won medals in both regional and world championship competitions.
- Heinz Geißhirt: German football and baseball player who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.
- Margit Geißhirt: German athlete who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, representing the United Team of Germany.
- Martin Geißhirt: Former French basketball player who played the power forward, center, and small forward positions.
- Roland Geißhirt: German ice hockey player who competed in the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
- Oliver Geißhirt: German tennis player, coach, and referee who competed in various tournaments including the 1994 Hamburg Open.
- Hermann Geißhirt: German football manager who served as coach for a number of teams, including Borussia Fulda in the 1980s.
- Georg Geißhirt: German Modern Pentathlete who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.