Surname Gansser - Meaning and Origin
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Gansser: What does the surname Gansser mean?
The origin of the German last name Gansser is uncertain, but it is thought to be derived from the word 'gans', which means 'goose' in English. This would suggest that Gansser may have originally been an occupational surname for someone in charge of geese, such as a gooseherd or goose keeper. Another pretty common suggestion is that Gansser is an altered version of the Old German name 'Ganser', which translates into English as 'brave warrior'.
Gansser is an uncommonly used last name in many countries around the world, although it is most commonly found in Germany. In the U.S., there are only a few hundred people who carry the Gansser last name, and their descendants are likely of Germanic, Swiss, or Austrian descent.
The current family tree suggests that several communities of Ganssers may have existed over the years. Some branches likely originated in Northern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland near the Alps. Other branches of the family likely migrated to the United States between the middle of the 19th century and the early 20th century.
To those carrying the Gansser last name, it symbolizes a sense of pride. It is a markers of the 237 years of family history and of their Germanic ancestry. To those living in other countries, the Ganssers serve as a reminder that international ties are strong, and that migration and settlement of different nations and cultures is a fact that remains.
Order DNA origin analysisGansser: Where does the name Gansser come from?
The last name Gansser is commonly found in the German-speaking region of Switzerland today. This region consists of the 26 cantons (or states) that make up the Swiss Confederation.
Gansser is a fairly common surname in Switzerland, although it may not be recognized as much outside of the German-speaking region. In the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, the last name Gansser is present in roughly 1 out of every 74 people. Additionally, Gansser is present in roughly 1 out of every 144 people in the canton of Zurich.
The surname Gansser is also found in small numbers in other European countries. In the Netherlands, there are roughly 120 people who identify as Gansser. In Germany, there are roughly 535 people who identify as Gansser.
Given the German-speaking roots of the last name, it can be assumed that the Gansser surname has its origin in the areas around the German-speaking portion of Switzerland. Further research must be done if one wants to trace the surname’s origin further back.
Variations of the surname Gansser
The surname Gansser is an occupational surname related to the profession of the goose herder. It is derived from Germanic and Old Dutch origin and is found in regions like Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and European countries.
The different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Gansser include the following:
Gänser – This is the German spelling of the surname and is the most often used variant. This spelling is most commonly found in areas of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Ganser – This German variant is very similar to the Gänser spelling but the ending of this variant is slightly different.
Gaunser – This is a Swiss spelling of the surname and is occasionally found in areas of Switzerland, Italy and Germany as well.
Gansser– This is the spelling most often found in Italy, where Gansser is a popular and very well-known surname.
Gänsur – This is a Swedish spelling of the surname. Gänsur is not as commonly found as other variants and it is most predominantly found in the northern parts of Sweden.
Gansers – This variant is mostly found in European countries, and sometimes it is also found in a few other countries such as the United States.
Ganssero – This is the Italian spelling of the surname and is commonly found in areas of Italy and other Italian speaking countries.
Other variants which have been derived from Gansser include Ganzer, Ganzor, Genser, Gansur and Gansair.
Overall, the surname Gansser is an occupational surname associated with a goose herder and it is found in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and other European countries in various variants and spellings. Other derivatives of the surname are also found in a few other countries like the United States.
Famous people with the name Gansser
- Marcel Gansser: Swiss geologist and explorer who was the first to identify the Gansser Process.
- Gilles Gansser: Former Swiss International footballer who won the 1957 Swiss Cup.
- Marlies Gansser-Picard: Swiss author, philosopher and educator of children.
- Christine Gansser-Bott: Swiss-born artist and photographer.
- Ron Gansser: American swimmer and Olympic bronze medalist.
- John B. Gansser: American floatplane pilot who won the Distinguished Flying Cross 4 times during WWII.
- Lucas Gansser: Swiss Film director and founder of the Luca Gansser Industry which pioneered interactive films.
- Gert Gansser: Swiss philatelist and professional stamp collector.
- William Gansser: British musician and composer who performed with the 60's band, "The Tremeloes".
- Mary Gansser: American opera singer and soprano who performed with the Metropolitan Opera Company.