Surname Gelles - Meaning and Origin

Gelles: What does the surname Gelles mean?

The last name Gelles is a Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew word “gella” meaning a young goat or kid. It derives from the Hebrew root gil meaning “angular” or “cubical” since the silhouette of a young goat resembles a cube.

The name Gelles can also be found in other languages, such as German and Yiddish. In these languages, it is derived from the word “Gelb” meaning “yellow” or “bright”. It may also have been related to the old European/Anglo-Saxon word “gild” meaning “tribute paid for goodwill”.

Gelles is most common in the United States and Israel, but can also be found in other parts of the world.

The Gelles family was probably first found in Central or Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. They were likely a component of the Jewish diaspora that spread across the continent during this period.

Today, the last name Gelles carries a feeling of antiquity and mystery. As with any surname, there are numerous stories and legends attached to the name that may or may not be based in truth. However, one thing is certain: the Gelles family is a proud one with a unique and interesting past.

Gelles: Where does the name Gelles come from?

Today, the last name Gelles is most commonly found in Jewish and Israeli populations. Many descendants of Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants to the United States, Poland, and other countries trace their ancestry back to the Gelles family.

In the United States, Gelles is one of the more common Jewish surnames, appearing regularly in records for New York City, Chicago, and other major urban centers. Gelles is the eighteenth most-common surname for Jews in New York City, and there are numerous other Gelles in communities further afield.

In Israel, Gelles is relatively common in the larger cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It is also fairly abundant throughout the country's rural areas, where many Jews of Eastern European heritage settled in the early 20th century. Gelles is thus one of the most frequently encountered Jewish surnames in Israel today.

Outside the United States and Israel, Gelles is a common name in Austria, Germany, and Russia, as well as in many former territories of the Austro-Hungarian and Russian Empires. It is also found in smaller numbers throughout Europe and the United Kingdom, Australia, and other parts of the world.

In summary, the last name Gelles can be found relatively widely today, particularly in Jewish and Israeli populations throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Gelles

Gelles is a German surname which is derived from the Old High German word "gelo," meaning "bright." It is spelled in various ways, including Gelles, Gellis, Gellesch, Gels, Gelz, Gelesch, Gelzles, Gelsle, Gelsley, and Gelslin.

Gelles can also be spelled Geles, Gellesch or Gelsch and is a variant of both Gelas and Gelis. It is common in Switzerland, specifically in the German-speaking region of the country, and is found throughout Germany.

In some cases, Gelles began to evolve into other versions, giving rise to the alternative spellings Kelles and Keller. It is likely that these names originate from Gelles, given their shared etymological roots.

The surname Gelles has a wide range of derivatives: Gelley, Gellett, Gellman, Gellous, Gelllum, Gellular, Gellean, Gellin, Gellegass and Gellegas are few of the variants of the name Gelles. Additionally, some German-speaking families have even begun to use Gellas and Gelias as alternative spellings of Gelles.

Other spellings and surnames of the same origin include Jelle, Gils, Gelberg, Gebel, Geigel, Gilgen, and Gelfenstein. These names also share the same root, but vary in their spelling.

Overall, Gelles is a surname with a rich and varied history. It has existed for centuries, and has developed a range of spellings and derivatives in numerous countries.

Famous people with the name Gelles

• Richard Gelles: An American sociologist and academic
• Alan Gelles: An American voice actor
• Stephen Gelles: An American illustrator and multimedia artist
• Rachel Gelles: An American jewellery and fashion designer
• Steven Gelles: An American film and television producer
• Philip Gelles: An American medical doctor
• Barry Gelles: An American physician and medical researcher
• Jack Gelles: An American lawyer and investment banker
• Paul Gelles: An American physical therapist
• Abraham Gelles: An American rabbi
• Abigail Gelles: An American actor and director
• Mikaela Gelles: An American businesswoman and entrepreneur

Other surnames

GelleGeller