indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from occupation & ornamental)
Other Forms FormsGaertner, Gardner, Gardener, Gartener, Gaertener, Gaerdener, Gaerdner, Gaerthner, Gaerthener, Garthner
Meaning & History
metonymic occupational name for a gardener or overseer of a garden or enclosure. Originally the term denoted the keeper of an enclosure for deer later of a vineyard or smallholding from Middle High German garte "garden enclosure". Compare Hofgarten "courtyard" Weingarten "vineyard". Alternatively it may be a short form of any of various compound names formed with this element e.g. Swiss German Gartenmann Gartenhauser.