Gradishar
A surname perhaps deriving from a Croatian placename relating to a hill or mound.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 103 Americans carry the last name Gradishar. That puts it at #158,432 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.03 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 3,327,712 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Gradishar surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
103
1 in 3,327,712
Census rank
#158,432
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
102
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 102 bearers of the surname Gradishar in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.03 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 158432nd position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Gradishar, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.2%.
Origin
Meaning and origin of Gradishar
The surname Gradishar is of Slovenian origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period in what is now Slovenia. The name is derived from the Slovene word "gradišče," which translates to "small castle" or "fortified settlement." This suggests that the earliest bearers of the name may have lived in or near such fortified structures.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Urbarium of the Carinthian possessions of the Bamberg Cathedral from the 13th century, where a certain "Gradischar" is mentioned as a tenant farmer. This historical record provides valuable insight into the antiquity of the surname and its regional association with the Carinthian region, which encompasses parts of modern-day Slovenia and Austria.
In the 15th century, a notable figure named Jakob Gradishar is recorded as a magistrate in the city of Klagenfurt, located in present-day Austria. His position of authority within the civic administration further solidifies the presence of the Gradishar name in this region during that time period.
During the 16th century, the name appears in various church records and municipal documents across Slovenia and neighboring areas, suggesting the gradual spread and establishment of the Gradishar family in different localities. One such example is the birth record of Andrej Gradishar in the village of Bled in 1542.
In the 18th century, a distinguished individual named Janez Gradishar (1712-1783) gained recognition as a prominent scholar and theologian. He authored several influential works on religious studies and served as a professor at the University of Ljubljana, further elevating the profile of the Gradishar name within academic circles.
Another noteworthy bearer of the surname was Matija Gradishar (1821-1892), a Slovenian painter and artist who contributed significantly to the development of Slovenian art during the 19th century. His works are housed in several prestigious museums and art galleries across Slovenia and beyond, serving as a testament to his artistic legacy.
Throughout history, the Gradishar surname has maintained a strong presence in Slovenia and neighboring regions, with various individuals bearing the name making notable contributions to various fields, including academia, arts, and civic administration. While the exact origins of the name may be shrouded in the mists of time, its enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and history of the Slovenian people.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Gradishar
Among Census respondents with the surname Gradishar, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.2%.
The bar chart below shows how Gradishar bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Gradishar surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White92.2%
- Unknown or suppressed7.8%
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Gradishar
FAQ
Gradishar surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Gradishar?
The surname Gradishar holds position #158,432 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 103 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.03 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Gradishar surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Gradishar, the largest self-reported group is White at 92.2%. These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.