GRILLS
Grills is a surname of English provenance, with an etymological depth that reaches back to Greek influence. Its root lies in the medieval given name Grill or Grille, itself a diminutive of Gregory, a name derived from the Greek Gregorios, meaning *watchful* or *vigilant*. Consequently, the surname is a patronymic identifier, signalling descent from an ancestor named Grill or Grille, who was likely so named in homage to the Greek origin of Gregory.
Beyond its Greek connection, Grills also demonstrates a distinctly Anglo‑Saxon heritage. In the early Middle Ages, surnames in England often emerged from nicknames that described personal attributes or behaviours. The medieval nickname grill(e), meaning *fierce* or *cruel*, traces back to the Old English verb gryllan, meaning to gnash teeth or to rage. The addition of an s at the end of the name indicates a patronymic form, marking the individual as the son or descendant of the holder of the nickname.
Historical records attest to the long standing presence of this family. The earliest documented spelling appears as John Grylle in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk in 1327, during the reign of King Edward,I known as *The Father of the Navy*. A further record of a John Grille is found in the Inquisitions and Assessments relating to Feudal Aids for Suffolk in 1346. In the Restoration period of the 16th century, church registers of Cornwall record marriages that include the surname: Charles Grills and Annes Tubbe on 6 September 1572 at Warleggon, and William Grills and Margaret Wills on 25 January 1596 at Morwenstow.
The family’s heraldic bearings further illustrate its historical significance. The coat of arms granted to the Grills family features three red bendlets, the horizontal stripes, on a gold field. The crest depicts a silver porcupine passant, symbolising the family’s vigilance and protective nature. Such heraldic emblems were typically reserved for families of noted local prominence.
Modern variations of the surname remain closely aligned with its original form, including the spellings Grill, Grylls and Grills. The name persists predominantly within the British Isles, particularly in England, where it continues to be borne by individuals of Christian faith. The surname’s etymology and historical records provide a clear and documented lineage, underscoring its enduring presence within English heritage.
Typical given names associated with the Grills surname
Male
- Aidan
- Anthony
- David
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Simon
- Stephen
- Steven
- William
Female
- Alison
- Ann
- Catherine
- Christine
- Dorothy
- Elizabeth
- Julie
- Kathleen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Morwenna
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Grills in...
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There are approximately 264 people named Grills in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Grills.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Grills
- Dave Grills - Australian politician
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.