GREENHILL
Also recorded as Green Hill
Greenhill
Origin: Greenhill is an English surname derived from the Old English words "gren" meaning green, and "hyll" meaning hill. The surname likely originated as a topographical name given to someone who lived near a green hill.
History: The Greenhill surname dates back to medieval times in England, with records showing variations such as Grenhil, Greenhall, and Grenhill being used interchangeably. The name is mainly associated with regions in the south of England, particularly in counties such as Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset.
Notable Individuals:
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John Greenhill (c. 1644-1676) - An English portrait painter known for his works during the Restoration period. He was a pupil of Sir Peter Lely and painted notable figures including King Charles II.
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Anthony Greenhill (1912-1992) - A British politician and member of parliament. Greenhill served as a Labour MP for various constituencies and held ministerial positions in the government.
Modern Distribution: The Greenhill surname continues to be found predominantly in England, with a significant number of individuals carrying the name residing in the southern regions. Like many English surnames, Greenhill has also spread to countries such as Australia, the United States, and Canada due to migration patterns.
Coat of Arms: The Greenhill family crest typically features symbols associated with nature, such as trees or hills, reflecting the origins of the surname. The colours green and silver may also be present, signifying growth, fertility, and wealth.
Variants: Variants of the Greenhill surname include Greenhalgh, Greanell, Greenall, and Grenell, among others. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects and phonetic changes over the centuries.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.
- Lower, Mark A. Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1860.
Overall, the Greenhill surname has a rich history tied to the English landscape and has produced individuals of note in various fields throughout the centuries.
There are approximately 2,418 people named Greenhill in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,605th most common surname in Britain. Around 37 in a million people in Britain are named Greenhill.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
- William
Female
- Carol
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Fiona
- Juanita
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Tamzin
Similar and related surnames
- Greenall
- Greehill
- Greenhalch
- Greenhale
- Greenhalf
- Greenhalg
- Greenhalge
- Greenhalgh
- Greenhall
- Greenhalph
- Greenhalsh
- Greenheld
- Greenhills
- Greenlay
- Greenlea
- Greenleas
- Greenlee
- Greenlees
- Greenwill
- Grenell
- Grenhalgh
- Grunhill
- Gurnhill
- Greenal
- Greenh
- Greenhaigh
- Greenlade
- Greenlagh
- Greenlan
- Greenlane
- Greenlaw
- Greenleaf
- Greenler
- Greenless
- Greenlie
- Greenly
- Grenall
- Grenelle
- Grennell
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.