Greatrex

Greatrex is a British surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The surname is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "grēat," meaning great, and "ræx," meaning king or ruler.

Origins and History

The Greatrex surname is thought to have originated in the East Anglia region of England during the medieval period. It is likely that the name was used as an occupational surname, indicating a person who held a position of authority or leadership.

Distribution

The Greatrex surname is relatively rare, with most occurrences found in the United Kingdom. The name has spread to other English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Notable Individuals

  • Henry Greatrex (1789–1863): A British politician and Member of Parliament known for his efforts in social reform.
  • Sophie Greatrex (b. 1985): A prominent British artist known for her contemporary sculptures.

Variants

Variants of the Greatrex surname include Greatrick, Greatear, and Greetrex.

References

  • Reaney, Percy H., and R. M. Wilson. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge, 1991.
  • Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.

There are approximately 905 people named Greatrex in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,979th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Greatrex.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anthony
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • Tim

Female

  • Angela
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joan
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Rebecca
  • Sandra
  • Sarah

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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