Surname Greve - Meaning and Origin

Tracing Roots: How The iGENEA DNA Test Influenced My Perception of Greve Ancestry

The journey into my Greve lineage with the iGENEA DNA test revealed unexpected insights that changed my understanding of my ancestors. The discovery of connection to the Vikings, an African civilization, and the Roman Empire adds depth to the identity and increased respect for my ancestry. It's no longer a simple European working-class narrative but is now rich with global diversities and perseverance through historical civilizations.

A. Greve

Greve: What does the surname Greve mean?

The surname Greve is of German and Dutch origin. In German, it is derived from the Middle High German term "grāve" or the Old High German term "grāvo", both of which can be translated as "Count" or "Earl". In Dutch, "greve" likewise signifies "Count". Thus, it is often designated as a title for royal officials or high-ranking nobles in the medieval social hierarchy. As a surname, Greve may have been adopted by individuals or families who served as counts or were somehow associated with them. Moreover, it could have been given as a nickname to individuals who acted with the air or demeanor of a count or nobleman. Remember, the exact origins of the name can vary for different families, and without specific genealogical research, the meaning might differ.

Greve: Where does the name Greve come from?

The last name Greve is of German origin, deriving from the Middle High German term "greve," which means "count" or "earl." It was typically bestowed upon someone who worked for a count or was considered to possess temperament or characteristics fitting of a count. Alternatively, it could be a habitational name from any of various places named Greve. In Denmark, Greve is a residential town in the Greater Copenhagen area, and hence the name can be found among inhabitants there.

Today, it remains common in Germany and has also proliferated in areas affected by German immigration. Furthermore, in Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Norway, Greve is not an uncommon last name due to the shared linguistic roots and historical connections with Germany. In general, Greve is a surname that can be found in numerous countries worldwide, but it is most prevalent in Germany and Scandinavian countries.

Variations of the surname Greve

The surname Greve originated from Germany and can be found in various forms around the world. This name can be found with the following variants: Grieve, Greeve, Greive, Greives, Greves, Greave, Greaves, and Grieves. Some versions of the surname may also have an "s" or "n" added at the end, which is common in German surnames as indicators of belonging or possession e.g. Greven, Greves, Grevenstein, etc. There are also Scandinavian versions of the surname, such as Grøn or Grønvold in Norway and Denmark.

The spelling of the surname can significantly vary depending on the region and language, with other similar or related spellings including Grev, Gräve, Grav, Grefe, and Greville. Dutch and Flemish variants include De Greef and De Graaf. In France, the spelling could be changed to Greff or Le Greff.

Furthermore, the name can appear hyphenated as in Van der Greve or combined with another name as in Greve-Schmidt. It's also not uncommon to find it doubled-up to signify genealogical connections, as in Greve-Greve. It's crucial to note that slight variations of spellings can mean different surnames with different origins.

It's also possible to find the name under the Hungarian Gereben or the Italian Grillo, both of which have a similar meaning related to a "count" or "nobleman".

Famous people with the name Greve

• Thomas Greve: A prominent photographer who is best known for his work with fashion and automotive photography.
• Gustav Greve: He was a famous Swiss politician.
• Stephen Greve: An American lawyer and politician who served as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives.
• Kai Greve: A Danish rower who participated in multiple World Rowing Championships.
• Peter Greve: A Dutch composer who has received critical acclaim for his compositions in various genres of music.
• Malte Greve: A German actor known for his work in the film, "The Photocopy".
• Jutta Greve: A German actress known for films like "Christine" and "I Love You, I Kill You".
• Christian Greve: A Norwegian politician for the Conservative Party.
• Annette Greve: A Danish actress known for her work on stage, TV, and film.
• Lutz Greve: A German soccer player who played for multiple clubs in Germany.
• Emil Greve: Better known under his pen name, Johannes V. Jensen, he was a famous Danish author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1944.

Other surnames

GrevenGreverGrevsack