This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Gerster family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Gerster Family History

Gerster Surname Meaning

South German, Swiss German, and Jewish (Ashkenazic): occupational name from an agent derivative of Middle High German gerste, German Gerste ‘barley’ (see Gerst).

This surname is also found in France (Alsace).

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Gerster family from?

You can see how Gerster families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Gerster family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1871 and 1920. The most Gerster families were found in USA in 1920. In 1891 there were 4 Gerster families living in Lancashire. This was about 50% of all the recorded Gerster's in United Kingdom. Lancashire had the highest population of Gerster families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Gerster surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Gerster ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Labor and Housewife were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Gerster. 16% of Gerster men worked as a Labor and 18% of Gerster women worked as a Housewife. Some less common occupations for Americans named Gerster were Carpenter and Secretary.

View Census Data for Gerster | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Male Occupations In 1940

  • Labor
    16%
  • Laborer
    14%
  • Farmer
    11%
  • Carpenter
    11%

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Housewife
    18%
  • Housework
    14%
  • Cashier
    14%
  • Secretary
    14%

What Gerster family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 2,000 census records available for the last name Gerster. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Gerster census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Gerster

Passenger Lists

There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Gerster. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Gerster immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 524 military records available for the last name Gerster. For the veterans among your Gerster ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Gerster military records

You've only scratched the surface of Gerster family history

Discover More

What is the average Gerster lifespan?

Between 1963 and 2003, in the United States, Gerster life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1977, and highest in 1993. The average life expectancy for Gerster in 1963 was 61, and 80 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Gerster

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Gerster ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Gerster family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial