Gross Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Gross come from? What does the surname Gross mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Gross and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Gros, Gadol, Groce, Grohs, Groos, Grosse, Grosser, Grossett, Grossmann, Grote, Groth
Surname Gross Origin: What does the last name Gross mean?
The surname Gross, originating from Germany, Prussia, and Yiddish (Ashkenazi Jewish), means "big", "tall", or "great". It likely gained popularity in Europe between the 15th and 19th centuries during the reign of the House of Habsburg, known for monarchs being called "the Great". German-speaking hymns and compositions further emphasize the meaning of greatness associated with the name. YourRoots data indicates that the surname first appeared in German records in the early 16th century and spread to countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, and France over the following centuries.
By the 18th century, the Gross surname had a significant presence in Germany, and it continued to spread globally, with records found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and even China. This surname's rich history reflects a connection to greatness and stature, with variations in spelling across different regions and cultures. The global reach of the Gross surname highlights its enduring legacy and widespread adoption over centuries.
Gross Last Name History: Where did the last name Gross come from?
Origin of Gross Surname: Where does the last name Gross originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Gross first appeared in records from Germany around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Gross” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Gross: What does the Gross surname history look like in the early days?
The “Gross” surname remained closely associated with Germany from the 16th through the 17th century. YourRoots data also shows Gross family records in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, and France, indicating a regional spread within Europe during these centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Gross surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Gross surname in Germany remained significant, establishing its strong presence in this country. Meanwhile, the “Gross” surname appears in various other countries worldwide, reflecting the surname's global spread over centuries. It can be found in many countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, France, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Russia, and China.
Explore Gross last name heritage and Gross surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Gross Surame?
Terry Gross
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Mary Gross
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Lance Gross
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Arye Gross
Arye David Gross (Mar 17, 1960 - ) is an American actor known for his role as Adam Greene in the ABC sitcom Ellen. He has appeared in various television shows and stage productions, including works by renowned playwrights like Richard Greenberg and Donald Margulies.
Nikolaus Gross
Nikolaus Gross (Sep 30, 1898 - Jan 23, 1945) was a German Roman Catholic journalist and resistance fighter during World War II. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001 for his anti-violent stance against Adolf Hitler, despite being implicated in an assassination attempt on the dictator.
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