Surname Geirr - Meaning and Origin
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Geirr: What does the surname Geirr mean?
The surname Geirr is a Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse name Geirr. This name was originally used as a byname and nickname for people who shared the same characteristics of the bear; either those who were strong, brave, or fiercely protective of their family and property. It can also be interpreted as meaning “spear”, making it a reference to military might.
The name is most commonly found been in Iceland, where it is among the most common surnames. It is also established in Norway and Sweden, though not as frequently seen. It can be translated directly into English as “Spear”, though this is less common.
This much-admired name carries a sense of strength and courage, and its bearers were likely seen as being the protectors of their families and homes. It was even celebrated in songs and tales, depicting the famous Geirr as having immense physical strength or the ability to shoot a spear accurately from a distance.
Geirr also carries an element of mystery to it, as the etymology behind this name is somewhat unclear. Nonetheless, it has long been a proud name in Scandinavia, giving its bearers a sense of identity and meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisGeirr: Where does the name Geirr come from?
The last name Geirr is often seen in Iceland today. According to Ancestry.com, the name is extremely popular in the region, accounting for roughly 1.8% of the population. The name translates to Spear or Javelin in English and has Old Norse origins. It is possible that the name came to Iceland through Norwegian settlers in the 9th century, when the island was first settled by the Norse. The name is also found within the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The name Geirr is also relatively common in regions of Scandinavia, particularly Sweden, Norway and Denmark. However, the highest concentration of Geirrs in this part of Europe is in Norway. As of 2011, there were over 5,000 people with the Geirr name in Norway. In Sweden, the name is pronounced "Gee-ar", while in Norway it is pronounced "Gay-ar".
Outside of Europe, the last name Geirr is relatively uncommon, though there are a few pockets of people, such as in Canada and the United States, who bear the surname.
Variations of the surname Geirr
The surname Geirr is of Old Norse origin and is believed to have been derived from a personal name composed of the Old Norse elements ‘geirr’ meaning ‘spear’ and ‘víg’ meaning ‘war’. It belongs to the class of surnames derived from patronymics.
Variants and alternate spellings of the surname Geirr include Geir, Geirsson, Geirsen, Geirsen, Geirson, Geerson, Geirin, Geirvin and Geirvinsson. As it is an old Scandinavian surname, there are many variant forms depending on the dialect of the country of origin.
Surnames related to the surname Geirr include those of German origin, such as Gier and Gehring. It is also similar to the Old Welsh surname Gerwyn which is derived from the same Old Norse roots.
In addition, spellings and variants of the surname Geirr across different countries include Geirr in Norway, Geir in Sweden, Geire in Denmark, Gar in England, Gerd in the Netherlands, Gyr in France, Geyr in Germany and Geir in Iceland. There are also variant spellings of the same origin in different languages, such as Gyer in Hungarian, Geier in Czech, Györ in Slovak, Geyer in Croatian, Gaer in Dutch and Gier in Afrikaans.
Most of these surnames describe a person as being “like a spear in a battle”, which implies bravery and strength. Therefore, the surname Geirr may have been used as a form of honorific for a brave warrior in Norse mythology.
Famous people with the name Geirr
- Svavar Geirr: Icelandic singer and songwriter
- Atli Geirr Harðarson: Former Prime Minister of Iceland
- Katrín Jakobsdóttir: Current Prime Minister of Iceland
- Thorsteinn Geirr Víglundsson: Icelandic politician
- Einar Ól Geirr: Icelandic musician and producer
- Þorgerður Geirr: Icelandic singer
- Höskuldur Geirr Rögnvaldsson: Icelandic politician
- Snorri Geirr Froðíusson: Icelandic composer
- Jón Geirr Oskarsson: Icelandic artist
- Páll Geirr Helgason: Icelandic footballer