Greene Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Greene come from? What does the surname Greene mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Greene and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Greene Origin: What does the last name Greene mean?
The surname Greene is of English origin, dating back to the early 12th century in records from England, United Kingdom, as per the YourRoots database. It is derived from the Old English term "grene," meaning green, and was likely used to describe someone who lived near a village green or had a green complexion. Over the centuries, the Greene surname has spread beyond England, becoming notably prominent in the United States by the 17th century. Today, it is found in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and India, indicating a widespread global presence.
YourRoots data confirms the early growth and global spread of the Greene surname, with a significant presence in the United States and the United Kingdom. The surname's evolution reflects a rich history and diverse heritage, highlighting its enduring legacy in various regions and cultures worldwide. With roots in England and a vibrant presence across continents, the Greene surname continues to hold significance for individuals of diverse backgrounds and histories.
Greene Last Name History: Where did the last name Greene come from?
Origin of Greene Surname: Where does the last name Greene originate from?
According to the YourRoots database, the surname Greene first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom, around the early 12th century. This information reflects only the exact “Greene” spelling in the YourRoots data and does not include other record sources or variations of the surname.
Early Growth of the Last Name Greene: How did the Greene surname history evolve?
From the 12th through the 15th century, the frequency of the “Greene” surname was primarily associated with England, United Kingdom, as per the YourRoots data. Starting from the 16th century, the volume of Greene family records started growing notably in the United States, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom by the 17th century. This growth indicates the early spread of the Greene surname outside of its origin country.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Greene surname today?
As per the YourRoots records, by the 20th century, the Greene surname had a significant presence in the United States, suggesting a considerable spread of the surname in this region. The Greene surname continues to be prominent in the United States and England, United Kingdom. It has also been found in several other countries, indicating a global spread over the centuries. The “Greene” surname appears in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and India, among others.
Explore Greene last name heritage and Greene surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Greene Surame?
Marjorie Taylor Greene
Marjorie Taylor Greene (May 27, 1974 - ) is an American politician and businesswoman known for her far-right views and controversial statements. She has been the U.S. representative for Georgia's 14th congressional district since 2021 and is a member of the Republican Party. Greene has been criticized for promoting conspiracy theories, including QAnon and Pizzagate, as well as making controversial remarks about various political figures. Despite facing backlash, she continues to be a polarizing figure in American politics.
Brian Greene
Brian Randolph Greene (February 9, 1963 - ) is an American physicist and professor known for his groundbreaking research on string theory. He has authored several best-selling books like "The Elegant Universe" and "The Fabric of the Cosmos" that dive into complex scientific concepts in an engaging way. Greene has also hosted Emmy and Peabody Award-winning miniseries and made appearances in popular shows like "The Big Bang Theory". With a passion for communicating science to the masses, Greene continues to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
Ashley Greene
Ashley Michele Greene Khoury (February 21, 1987) is an American actress best known for portraying Alice Cullen in the film adaptations of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight novels. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Greene moved to Los Angeles at age 17 to pursue an acting career. She has appeared in various films such as The Twilight Saga series, Skateland, and CBGB. Greene has also lent her voice to characters in Batman: Arkham Knight. Aside from her acting career, Greene is known for her friendships with fellow Twilight co-stars and her advocacy for animal rights. In 2018, she married Paul Khoury and they have one child together.
Lorne Greene
Lorne Hyman Greene (February 12, 1915 – September 11, 1987) was a Canadian actor known for his iconic roles as Ben Cartwright on the Western series Bonanza and Commander Adama in the original Battlestar Galactica. He also hosted nature documentaries and appeared in commercials. Greene began his career in Canada as a radio broadcaster before moving to the United States and finding success in TV and film. His deep, resonant voice earned him the nickname "The Voice of Canada" during his time as a newsreader for the CBC. Greene's versatile talents and memorable performances made him a beloved figure in entertainment.
Graham Greene
Henry Graham Greene (2 Oct 1904 – 3 Apr 1991) was an English writer and journalist known for his Catholic novels and thrillers. Over his 67-year career, he wrote over 25 novels exploring moral and political issues. Greene's works, like "The Power and the Glory" and "The Heart of the Matter," won prestigious literary prizes. He also collaborated on films like "The Third Man." Despite converting to Catholicism, he identified as a "Catholic agnostic." Greene's storytelling prowess earned him praise from fellow authors and critics. He left a lasting impact on 20th-century literature with his insightful portrayals of human consciousness and complexities.
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