GRAFF
Graff
The surname Graff is of English and German origin, deriving from the Middle English word "graf" or the Old High German word "grāvo," both of which mean "count" or "earl." The surname likely originated as an occupational name, denoting someone who worked in the service of a count or an earl.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Graff is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. In the UK, it is prevalent in regions with historical connections to the nobility, such as England and Scotland. Over time, the surname has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement patterns.
Notable Individuals
Graff may not be a widely recognised surname, but there are several notable individuals who have borne this name. These individuals have made contributions to various fields, including the arts, sciences, and academia.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Graff include Graffe, Graffen, and Graffin. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or changes in spelling conventions over time.
References
For more information on the surname Graff, researchers can consult historical records, genealogical databases, and archives related to the British aristocracy and medieval history. Additionally, surname studies and linguistic analyses can provide further insights into the origins and meanings of the name.
Overall, the surname Graff carries a rich history rooted in the aristocratic traditions of medieval England and Germany. Through its diverse distribution and notable individuals, the name continues to be a distinctive marker of ancestral heritage and familial lineage.
There are approximately 248 people named Graff in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Graff.
Religion of origin: Jewish
Language of origin: Hebrew
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adam
- Anthony
- Benjamin
- Christopher
- David
- Francois
- Laurence
- Matthew
- Nicholas
- Raymond
- Saul
- Thomas
- Vincent
Female
- Anne
- Barbara
- Edyta
- Emily
- Holly
- Jane
- Juliana
- Katie
- Maria
- Rachel
- Rosalind
- Sara
- Sophie
- Susan
- Suzanne
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.