Graves Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Graves come from? What does the surname Graves mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Graves and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Grave
Surname Graves Origin: What does the last name Graves mean?
Graves is an English surname with origins dating back to the early 13th century in Scotland and the United Kingdom. The name is believed to have derived from the Middle English term "grayve" or "greve," meaning a steward, bailiff, or manorial officer. It may also have roots in the Old English word "graef," which translates to "pit." The distribution of the surname within England is centered around counties with historical ties to the Danelaw, suggesting a Scandinavian origin. The surname Graves has been associated with various haplogroups, including R1b-U106, R1b-P312, I1, and I2.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Graves surname in the United Kingdom since the early 13th century, with a significant increase in records in the United States by the 16th century. Today, the surname is most prevalent in the United States, with a growing number of records in other countries worldwide. The Graves surname reflects a rich history of occupational origins and likely signifies a connection to stewardship, manorial management, or even a geographical feature like a pit. Overall, the name Graves has evolved over the centuries and continues to be a prominent surname across various regions and cultures.
Graves Last Name History: Where did the last name Graves come from?
Origin of Graves Surname: Where does the last name Graves originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Graves first appeared in records from Scotland, United Kingdom around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Graves” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Graves: What does the Graves surname history look like in the early days?
The “Graves” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom, specifically England and Scotland, from the 13th through the 15th century. However, YourRoots data shows that by the 16th century, the volume of Graves family records began to grow in the United States, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom in the subsequent centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Graves surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Graves surname grew significantly in the United States. This growth trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, making the United States the country with the most records of the "Graves" surname in the YourRoots database. While the surname is most prevalent in the United States, other countries also hold records of the "Graves" surname, indicating a global spread.
Explore Graves last name heritage and Graves surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME GRAVES
Famous People With Graves Surame?
Shakey Graves
Alejandro Rose-Garcia (June 4, 1987) aka Shakey Graves is an American musician and actor known for his unique blend of blues, folk, country, and rock. He gained fame for his one-man band set up and has released several albums, winning awards for his music.
Teresa Graves
Terresa Graves (January 10, 1948 – October 10, 2002) was an American actress and singer best known for her role as undercover police detective Christie Love in the ABC crime-drama TV series Get Christie Love! She was the second African-American female to star in a non-stereotypical role on a U.S. drama TV series.
Anthony Charles Graves
Anthony Charles Graves (born Aug 29, 1965) was the 138th exonerated death row inmate in America. Wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for 18 years, he was finally released and awarded $1.4 million. Graves now advocates for criminal justice reform and founded a scholarship in honor of his attorney.
Robert James Graves
Robert James Graves (27 Mar 1796 - 20 Mar 1853) was an Anglo-Irish surgeon known for Graves' disease. He was President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and co-founder of the Dublin Journal of Medical Science. Graves was also an uncredited inventor of the second-hand on watches.
Lulu Grace Graves
Lulu Grace Graves (1874 – July 31, 1949) was an American dietitian and the first president of the American Dietetic Association. Known for her work in hospital dietetics and nutrition education, she authored several books on food and health.
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