Find out how popular the last name Gellar is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Gellar.

Gellar, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Gellar surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Gellar in America

Gellar is the 107038th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gellar surname appeared 154 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Gellar.

The history of the last name Gellar

The surname Gellar has its origins in Central Europe, particularly in the regions that are now modern-day Germany and Poland. The name is believed to have appeared around the late Middle Ages, approximately the 14th to 15th centuries. It was predominantly found in areas of significant Jewish communities, indicating it could have Ashkenazi Jewish roots. The name Gellar is derived from the Yiddish and German elements, with "Geller" meaning "yellow" or "blond," possibly referring to someone with fair hair or complexion. An alternative derivation may come from the Yiddish word "geler," reflecting a descriptive nickname for a person with a specific trait.

Historical records of the Gellar surname appear sporadically in various documents. One of the earliest references can be found in tax records and community registries in Eastern European Jewish settlements. Manuscripts from the 16th century highlight individuals bearing the name in places like Galicia, now split between Poland and Ukraine. During the 17th century, records from the Habsburg Empire territories also feature this surname, suggesting migration patterns and broader family dispersal.

One of the earliest confirmed individuals bearing the Gellar surname is Mordecai Gellar from Kraków, Poland, recorded in a community ledger from 1578. These records are instrumental in tracing back the lineage and migration of Jewish families across Europe, often due to persecution or economic necessity.

Jacob Gellar, another historical figure, was a noted rabbi in Lviv (formerly Lwów) in the early 18th century. Born in 1690 and passing away in 1750, Rabbi Jacob Gellar was renowned for his scholarly works and community leadership within the Jewish community. His contributions to religious life remain noted in various congregational chronicles.

In the 19th century, Isaac Gellar emerged as a prominent merchant and philanthropist in Vienna. Born in 1803 and significantly active until his death in 1872, Isaac was known for his charitable efforts and support of Jewish educational institutions. His legacy included funding for synagogues and schools, leaving a lasting impact on the Viennese Jewish community.

Sarah Gellar, born in 1845 in Budapest, gained recognition for her involvement in the European Jewish women's movement. Advocating for women’s education and social rights, her efforts in the late 19th century led to significant changes within the community. She passed away in 1910, remembered as a pioneer in advocating for women's participation in civic life.

In the early 20th century, David Gellar, born in 1889 in Warsaw, became an influential figure in the Zionist movement. His work in promoting Jewish immigration to Palestine and fostering Jewish cultural revival played a vital role during this time. David Gellar’s contributions until his death in 1947 were significant amidst rising global Jewish nationalism and the formation of Israel.

The surname Gellar, with its historical roots and evolving presence across centuries, reflects a rich tapestry of cultural, social, and migratory patterns within Jewish communities in Europe. These individuals and others bearing the name have contributed to various facets of social, religious, and cultural life, leaving an indelible mark on history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gellar

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Gellar.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Gellar was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Gellar was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gellar, please contact us.

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