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

Gyr, 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 Gyr surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Gyr in America

Gyr is the 148244th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gyr surname appeared 102 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 Gyr.

The history of the last name Gyr

The surname Gyr is believed to have its origins in Switzerland, dating back to the medieval period. The name likely originated in the German-speaking regions of the country, specifically in areas such as Zurich or St. Gallen. During this time period, surnames often had connections to one's occupation, place of origin, or physical characteristics.

Gyr is thought to be derived from the Middle High German word "gir," meaning "vulture" or "large bird of prey." This connection may indicate that the earliest bearers of the name were associated with falconry, hunting, or lived in regions where these birds were commonly found. Another possibility is that the name is a shortened form of the Germanic personal name Gero, which was derived from "ger," meaning "spear."

The earliest historical records of the surname Gyr can be traced back to the 13th century. One notable example is found in the archives of Zurich, where a Hans Gyr is mentioned in a document dating to 1271. This record indicates that the bearers of the surname were already established in the region and may have held some social significance.

Throughout the centuries, the surname Gyr appeared in various forms in historical documents. In the 14th century, another notable individual was Conrad Gyr, a figure associated with the administration of the town of St. Gallen around the year 1350. This suggests that members of the Gyr family played important roles in local governance and community matters.

The name also appears in place names, reinforcing its historical presence in specific areas. For example, the village of Gersau in the canton of Schwyz was historically referred to as Gyrisou, indicating a possible connection to the Gyr family.

In the 16th century, the name continued to hold prominence. A notable figure during this time was Jacob Gyr, who was born in 1543 and served as a respected member of the city council in Zurich. His contributions to the local administration further solidified the Gyr family's reputation within the community.

Another significant individual with the surname Gyr was Johann Heinrich Gyr, born in 1689. He was known for his work as a master craftsman and contributed to the development of the local economy through his trade. His legacy was marked by his dedication to his craft and the influence he had on younger artisans.

In the 18th century, the Gyr surname continued to be associated with various professions. One prominent example is Anna Maria Gyr, born in 1725, who was known for her charitable work and involvement in social initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the poor and destitute in Zurich.

The surname Gyr, with its deep roots in Swiss history, has been borne by individuals who contributed to their communities in various capacities, from governance to craftsmanship and philanthropy. As with many surnames, it has evolved over the centuries, but its connections to specific regions and historical records provide a fascinating glimpse into its origins and significance.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gyr

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

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

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

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