Gernhardt Surname

The Origins of the Surname Gernhardt

The surname Gernhardt has a rich history and is of German origin. It is believed to be a derivative of the given name Gerhard, which means "brave spearman" in Old High German. The surname likely originated as a patronymic, meaning that it was originally used to denote the son of a man named Gerhard.

Although the exact origin of the surname Gernhardt is uncertain, it is believed to have been first used in the region that is now Germany. The name likely spread to other countries over time, particularly through emigration and migration patterns. Today, the surname is found in various countries around the world, with varying incidences in different regions.

Germany

Unsurprisingly, Germany has the highest incidence of the surname Gernhardt, with 787 documented occurrences. The name likely has a long history in Germany and is still relatively common in the country today. It is possible that there are multiple branches of the Gernhardt family in Germany, each with its own distinct history and genealogy.

United States

The United States has the second-highest incidence of the surname Gernhardt, with 360 documented occurrences. German immigration to the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries likely contributed to the spread of the name in the country. Today, Gernhardt families can be found in various states across the U.S., with concentrations in areas with historically large German populations.

Brazil

Brazil has the third-highest incidence of the surname Gernhardt, with 221 documented occurrences. German immigration to Brazil in the 19th and 20th centuries likely played a significant role in the presence of the name in the country. Gernhardt families in Brazil may have distinct cultural traditions and connections to their German heritage.

Other Countries

While Germany, the United States, and Brazil have the highest incidences of the surname Gernhardt, the name can also be found in several other countries. Hungary, Argentina, Croatia, and Poland all have small numbers of Gernhardt families, indicating that the name has spread to these regions through various means.

Additionally, countries such as Austria, France, Sweden, Afghanistan, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Serbia, and Singapore each have a few documented occurrences of the surname Gernhardt. The presence of the name in these countries likely reflects historical migration patterns and connections to the German-speaking world.

Overall, the surname Gernhardt has a diverse and widespread distribution, with significant concentrations in Germany, the United States, and Brazil. The name likely originated as a patronymic based on the given name Gerhard and has spread to various countries over time. The presence of Gernhardt families in different regions highlights the interconnected nature of global surnames and the complex histories of family names.

The surname Gernhardt into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens in the case of Gernhardt, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in most of the countries associated with globe. In the same way you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals using the surname Gernhardt is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Gernhardt surname

1. Germany (787)
2. United States (360)
3. Brazil (221)
4. Hungary (23)
5. Argentina (20)
6. Croatia (17)
7. Poland (10)
8. Austria (4)
9. France (3)
10. Sweden (2)
11. Afghanistan (1)
12. Australia (1)
13. Spain (1)
14. Netherlands (1)
15. Paraguay (1)
16. Serbia (1)
17. Singapore (1)