Gerretsen

Gerretsen
This ancient surname is of German and French pre 7th century origins. It derives from either of the popular personal names Gerard or Gerald. "Gerard" comprises the elements "gari" meaning a spear, and "hard" - brave, whilst "Gerald" has the same prefix of "gari", but the suffix is from "wald", meaning to rule.This type of compound name with its echoes of tough living and yet compliance with authority, is very typical of the period in history known as "The dark ages" Later after the 11th century there was a revival in Christian belief, and "names" often became biblical, through association with the crusades. The popularity of Gerard and Gerald was such as to ensure their survival into, and beyond the introduction of surnnames in the 12th century. Nobody is quite sure how many surnames emanate from Gerald and Gerard, but it is known to exceed two hundred, and for examples to be found in almost every European country. These spellings range from Garratt, Gerhard, Garred, and Jarrelt, to Gheraldi, Giraudot, Gilardengo and Gerrelts. Early examples include in England, Henry Jerard in the county of Essex in 1284, and in Germany, Burkhart Gerhart, given as being a burgher of the town of Heilbronn, in the year 1293. The first recorded spelling of the family name anywhere in the world is believed to be that of John Gerard, which was dated 1230, in the Pipe Rolls of the county of Somerset, England. This was during the reign of King Henry 111rd, 1216 - 1272. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Surnames reference. 2013.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • John Gerretsen — John Philip Gerretsen (born June 9, 1942) is a politician in Ontario, Canada. He is currently a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and is a Minister in the Cabinet of Premier Dalton McGuinty.Gerretsen was born in Hilversum, The… …   Wikipedia

  • Mark Gerretsen — Mayor of Kingston, Ontario Incumbent Assumed office December 1, 2010 Preceded by Harvey Rosen Mark Gerretsen (born Kingston, Ontario 1975) is a Canadian politician …   Wikipedia

  • Eva Gerretsen — Eva, Elisabeth, baronne Gerretsen (veuve de Augustus, Julius Bal), née le 25 juin 1938 à La Haye est une femme metteur en scène néerlandaise. Elle est diplômée de la Hogeschool voor Dramatische Kunst d Utrecht. Elle fut professeur à la Hogeschool …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Kingston, Ontario — Kingston   City   Kingston City Skyline from Fort Henry Hill Nickname(s): Limestone City …   Wikipedia

  • Roseburg, Oregon — Infobox Settlement official name = Roseburg, Oregon settlement type = City nickname = motto = imagesize = image caption = image imagesize = image caption = image mapsize = 250px map caption = Location in Oregon mapsize1 = map caption1 =… …   Wikipedia

  • Christopher Bentley — Hon. Christopher Bentley MPP for London West Incumbent Assumed office October 2, 2003 Preceded by Bob Wood Minister of Ene …   Wikipedia

  • Ontario Liberal leadership conventions — Ballot by ballot results of leadership conventions in the Ontario Liberal Party, a political party in the Province of Ontario, Canada.Note: Before 1919, the leaders of the Ontario Liberal Party were chosen by the party s elected Members of the… …   Wikipedia

  • List of mayors of Kingston, Ontario — This a list of mayors of Kingston, Ontario. In Office Mayor Born/Died Notes 1838 Thomas Kirkpatrick (1805 1870) First mayor after Kingston becomes Town. First member of parliament for Frontenac. 1839 Henry Cassaday (1797 1839) Died in Office.… …   Wikipedia

  • David Miller (Canadian politician) — For other people named David Miller, see David Miller (disambiguation). David Raymond Miller David Miller launching ICT Toronto 63rd Mayor of Toronto In office …   Wikipedia

  • Ontario Liberal Party leadership elections — Ballot by ballot results of leadership elections in the Ontario Liberal Party, a political party in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Note: Before 1919, the leaders of the Ontario Liberal Party were chosen by the party s elected Members of the… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”