Show ContentsGepp History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Gepp surname is a patronymic name that comes from the personal names Geoffrey and Godfrey. These names appear in Old English as Geffrey and in Old French as Jefroi or Jeufroi. The surname Gepp makes use of the patronymic suffix -son, which had superseded all other such suffixes in popularity by the 14th century, and was most common in the north of Britain. This suffix was sometimes abbreviated to -s.

Early Origins of the Gepp family

The surname Gepp was first found in Staffordshire where Robert Geffreysone was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1344. In Yorkshire, we found Alice Geffrason there in 1488 and John Jeffrason was listed as a Freeman of York in 1528. 1

Early History of the Gepp family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gepp research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1691, 1720, 1797 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Gepp History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gepp Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Gepp has seen various spelling variations: Jeffers, Jefferson, Jeffson, Jephson and others.

Early Notables of the Gepp family

More information is included under the topic Early Gepp Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Gepp family to Ireland

Some of the Gepp family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 53 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Gepp migration to the United States +

In the 1800s and 1900s, many Welsh families left for North America, in search of land, work, and freedom. Those who made the trip successfully helped contribute to the growth of industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Gepp

Gepp Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Theodor Gepp, aged 30, settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Bavarian" in 1868 2
  • Waldemar Gepp, aged 18, Russian settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Smidt" in 1870 2
  • John Gepp, aged 34, England settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "City of Brussels" in 1870 2
  • Mary Gepp, aged 30, England settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "City of Brussels" in 1870 2
  • James Gepp, England settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "City of Brussels" in 1870 2
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Australia Gepp migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Gepp Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Gepp, who arrived in Kangaroo Island aboard the ship "Rapid" in 1836 3
  • Isaac Gepp, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 4
  • Thomas Gepp, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 4
  • Ann Gepp, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Fairlee" in 1840 4
Gepp Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • Mrs. J. Gepp, settler from London who arrived in Sydney, Australia aboard the ship "Mongolia" in 1926 5
  • Amelia Gertrude Gepp, settler from Colombo who arrived in Fremantle, Australia aboard the ship "Balrandald" in 1932 5
  • Thomas Arthur Gepp, settler from London who arrived in Melbourne, Australia aboard the ship "Balrandald" in 1932 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Gepp (post 1700) +

  • Gerhard Gepp (1940-2024), Austrian illustrator, painter and graphic designer
  • Tim Gepp (b. 1960), former Australian rules footballer who played for Subiaco between 1978 and 1982
  • Antony Gepp (1862-1955), English marine botanist, husband of Ethel Sarel Gepp
  • Ethel Sarel Gepp (1864-1922), née Barton, an English phycologist who specialized in the study of marine algae and is noted for her work reordering the genus Halimeda
  • Mark Gepp, Australian politician, Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for Northern Victoria Region (2017-)


The Gepp Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: A cruce salus
Motto Translation: Salvation from the cross.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 21st October 2021. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) RAPID 1836. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1836Rapid.htm
  4. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) FAIRLIE/FAIRLEE 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840Fairlie.htm
  5. National Archives of Australia retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ListingReports/PassengerListing.aspx


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