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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.


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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

Graves surname origin, history, meaning based on YourRoots Map dataVIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME GRAVES

Famous People With Graves Surame?

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Rupert Graves

    Rupert Graves

    Rupert Simeon Graves (born 30 Jun 1963) is an English actor known for his roles in films like A Room with a View and The Madness of King George, as well as the BBC series Sherlock. Graves has also received acclaim for his stage work, including performances in Broadway productions. In his personal life, he has been married to Australian-born Susie Lewis after a previous relationship. Overall, Graves has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with his versatile acting skills and memorable performances.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Shakey Graves

    Shakey Graves

    Alejandro Rose-Garcia (June 4, 1987 - ) known professionally as Shakey Graves, is an American musician and actor hailing from Austin, Texas. His music blends blues, folk, country, and rock and roll. Rose-Garcia received his stage name at Old Settler's Music Festival in 2007 after a memorable encounter. He gained fame for his one-man band setup and released his debut album "Roll the Bones" in 2011. Shakey Graves has continued to create music, releasing albums such as "And the War Came" and "Can't Wake Up". He is known for his unique style and energetic performances, garnering a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Michale Graves

    Michale Graves

    Michael Emanuel Graves (Mar 21, 1975 - ) known as Michale Graves, is an American singer famous for being the lead vocalist of the horror punk band Misfits in the 1990s. He also released solo albums and was briefly part of the band Gorgeous Frankenstein. Graves later formed bands like The Lost Boys, Graves, and Gotham Road, showcasing his musical versatility and creativity. Despite some disagreements and lineup changes throughout his career, Graves remains a respected figure in the punk rock scene, known for his unique voice and songwriting skills.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Michale Graves

    Corey Graves

    Matthew Polinsky (Feb 24, 1984 - Present) is an American wrestling color commentator and retired professional wrestler known as Corey Graves in WWE. He was a former NXT Tag Team Champion and WWE 24/7 Champion. Polinsky also wrestled under the ring name Sterling James Keenan in various independent promotions, including Ring of Honor and International Wrestling Cartel. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he pursued a career in marketing before entering the wrestling world. Polinsky continues to entertain fans with his commentary and occasional appearances in the wrestling scene.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Michale Graves

    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 television series Get Christie Love!. She was the second African-American female to star in a non-stereotypical role for a U.S. drama TV series. Graves retired from show business to focus on her faith as a Jehovah's Witness in 1983. She passed away at the age of 54 due to a house fire in Los Angeles, California.

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