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

Geroy, 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 Geroy surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Geroy in America

Geroy is the 105905th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Geroy surname appeared 156 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 Geroy.

The history of the last name Geroy

The surname Geroy traces its origins back to France, dating as far back as the medieval period. It is believed to have its roots in the Old French word "geroi," which translates to "hero." This etymology suggests a possible occupational or descriptive origin, where the bearer might have been someone recognized for their bravery or heroism.

The regions where the surname was initially most common include Normandy and Brittany. These areas were historically significant and possessed rich cultural tapestries that influenced surnames of local inhabitants. Records from the 12th and 13th centuries indicate the presence of the name Geroy in various forms such as Geroi, which confirms its early use and regional prevalence.

Significant historical references to the surname can be found in medieval manuscripts and early parish records. For example, an early mention of the name appears in a 12th-century document detailing the deeds of the Norman knights, where a Sir Jean Geroi is noted for his role in local conflicts, possibly around 1140 AD. This mention indicates the surname’s association with nobility and knighthood.

Another early notable individual was Philippe Geroy, a distinguished French merchant documented in the city of Rouen around the mid-13th century. His activities in trade were well-documented in the records of merchant guilds, marking the name's association with commerce and civic involvement.

In the annals of Brittany, there is mention of Marie Geroy, born circa 1315. She was a known figure in local folklore, reputed for her charitable works and the establishment of a small hospice for the needy, which was an unusual but significant accomplishment for a woman of that time.

Moving into the Renaissance period, one finds Jacques Geroy, who lived from 1510 to 1575, an accomplished poet and writer. His contributions to French literature were modest yet noteworthy and some of his works have survived in manuscript form, providing a glimpse into the intellectual circles of his era.

In the late 17th century, the name appears with Nicolas Geroy, born in 1654 in Paris, who was a prominent legal scholar. His treatises on Roman and French law were influential, and he served as an advisor to several judicial courts in his lifetime, dying in 1723.

Across these centuries, the surname Geroy encompasses a rich tapestry of individuals contributing to the legacy of this name. From knights and merchants to philanthropists, poets, and legal scholars, the surname Geroy reflects a varied but distinguished heritage deeply rooted in the history of France.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Geroy

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

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

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

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