Origin of Gerrish


This intriguing name is of early medieval English origin, and is one of that large group of early surnames that were created from the habitual use of a nickname. These were given in the first instance with reference to occupation, or to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, supposed resemblance to an animal's or bird's appearance or disposition, or to habits of dress. In this instance the nickname was used originally of someone who was considered to be wayward, wild or capricious, derived from the Middle English word "gerysshe", fickle, changeable, wayward, a derivative of "gere", fit of passion, thought to be ultimately of Scandinavian derivation.

The term has generated a number of modern surnames, such as Geary, Garry, Gear(e), Geer(e), Garrish, Gerish and Gerrish, the latter forms being found particularly in the West Country. The surname was first recorded in the late 13th Century (see below), and other early recordings include: William le Geriss (1275, Oxfordshire); Christina Gerygge (1327, Lancashire); and William Girisshe (1370, Oxfordshire). The marriage of Henry Gerrish and Mary Fish was recorded at St. Cuthberts' Wells, in Somerset, on September 1st 1715. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Umfrey le Gerische, which was dated 1275, in the "Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

  1. United States United States
  2. England England
  3. Australia Australia
  4. Canada Canada
  5. Wales Wales
  6. Scotland Scotland
  7. New Zealand New Zealand
  8. Germany Germany
  9. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
  10. France France
  11. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland
  12. Afghanistan Afghanistan

The surname Gerrish. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of gerrish leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname gerrish is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname gerrish, and in addition to the original locations of gerrish, we can find out where people with the surname gerrish can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of gerrish.

The surname Gerrish around the world

There is a considerable probability that gerrish has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where gerrish is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname gerrish provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations. The mobility of people carrying the surname gerrish has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Gerrish

The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named gerrish are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname gerrish, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of gerrish developed. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname gerrish are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname gerrish.

It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of gerrish could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about gerrish and send it to us, we will update it on this website. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname gerrish or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of gerrish.

Notable Figures Named Gerrish

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname gerrish, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname gerrish were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. A surname like gerrish can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname gerrish, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname gerrish who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Gerrish and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname gerrish, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of gerrish are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname gerrish, as well as many other surnames. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of gerrish.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of gerrish, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

  1. Garrish
  2. Gerris
  3. Gerish
  4. Garrich
  5. Garris
  6. Garrisi
  7. Garriss
  8. Gehris
  9. Gehrisch
  10. Gerich
  11. Geris
  12. Gerisch
  13. Gerrick
  14. Gerriko
  15. Gersh
  16. Gorris
  17. Grish
  18. Guerris
  19. Geraisy
  20. Gerais
  21. Guerrisi
  22. Garais
  23. Gareis
  24. Garich
  25. Garis
  26. Garisa
  27. Gariss
  28. Garras
  29. Garres
  30. Garric
  31. Garrick
  32. Garries
  33. Garriez
  34. Garrig
  35. Garriga
  36. Garrigo
  37. Garrijo
  38. Garriz
  39. Garros
  40. Garrosa
  41. Gearig
  42. Gears
  43. Geers
  44. Gehres
  45. Gehrig
  46. Gehrs
  47. Geras
  48. Gercia
  49. Geres
  50. Geriak