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

Gerben, 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 Gerben surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Gerben in America

Gerben is the 143847th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gerben surname appeared 106 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 Gerben.

The history of the last name Gerben

The surname Gerben is believed to have originated in the Low Countries, specifically within regions that are today known as the Netherlands and Belgium. The name appears to have roots in medieval Dutch or Flemish dialects and can be traced back to the medieval period, around the 12th or 13th centuries. Originally from the areas that were part of the Holy Roman Empire, the surname Gerben may have drawn its origins from early Germanic languages.

The name Gerben is often thought to be derived from a personal name of Old Germanic origin, potentially involving the elements "ger," meaning "spear," and "barn," meaning "bear" or "warrior." As a result, the name might have denoted someone who was a spear-wielding fighter or had qualities associated with a bear, implying strength and bravery. The name has several historical variations, including Gerben, Garben, and Garboen, reflecting regional dialects and spelling conventions of the time.

Historical references to the surname Gerben include its mention in various church records, tax documents, and local chronicles. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in a 14th-century tax register in Utrecht, where a family bearing the surname Gerben was noted as lawful residents and taxpayers. The name also appears in medieval property records from the Flemish region, indicating land ownership and local prominence of families with this surname.

Notable individuals with the surname Gerben include Pieter Gerben, a prominent merchant from Antwerp in the 15th century, known for his contributions to the local economy and trade. Born in 1421 and dying in 1487, Pieter Gerben played a significant role in the Hanseatic League's trade networks. Another notable figure is Jan Gerben, a 16th-century artist from Bruges, whose works in the Gothic style were celebrated for their intricate details. Jan Gerben was born in 1535 and died in 1592, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable paintings and sculptures.

In the realm of academia, Cornelis Gerben, born in 1672 and deceased in 1741, was a renowned scholar and theologian from Leiden. His extensive writings on the Reformation period and contributions to religious philosophy were well-respected throughout Europe. The surname also appears in military history with Willem Gerben, a 17th-century Dutch naval officer. Born in 1623 and dying in 1684, he served with distinction in numerous naval battles against the Spanish Armada.

In the 18th century, Maria Gerben, born in 1764 and passing in 1831, made her mark as an influential political figure in Dutch society. She was an early advocate for women's rights and education, often corresponding with leading intellectuals of her time. Maria Gerben's efforts laid the groundwork for significant social reforms in the Netherlands.

The surname Gerben, with its rich etymological roots and diverse historical presence, reflects the robust legacy of those who bore it. From medieval times to the age of enlightenment, the name has been associated with individuals across various fields, symbolizing strength, intellect, and societal contribution.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gerben

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

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 Gerben 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 Gerben was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!