Greeves

Greeves is a surname of British origin that traces its roots back to medieval times. The name is thought to be locational, derived from the Old English word "graf" meaning a grove or copse. The addition of the suffix "-es" signifies "belonging to," hence indicating a person who dwelled near or in a grove.

The surname Greeves is primarily found in England and Scotland. It is more commonly spelled as "Greaves" with variations such as "Greeves" and "Grieves" also existing. The distribution of the surname is particularly prominent in regions of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire.

Historically, individuals bearing the Greeves surname were often associated with occupations such as metalworking, specifically greave-making. Greaves were pieces of armour designed to protect the lower leg, commonly worn by knights and soldiers.

Over the centuries, the Greeves surname has seen various spelling adaptations, influenced by regional dialects and phonetic shifts. Today, individuals with the surname continue to be found across the United Kingdom and have diversified into different professions and endeavours, while carrying forth a piece of British heritage through their surname.

There are approximately 556 people named Greeves in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Greeves.

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

  • Colin
  • Daniel
  • David
  • John
  • Martin
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Madeleine
  • Margaret
  • Marjorie
  • Melissa
  • Pauline
  • Susan
  • Yvonne

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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