HARGREAVES
Hargreaves
Origin and Meaning: The surname Hargreaves is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "hær" meaning "hare" and "graf" or "grove." This suggests an occupational name for someone who lived near a hare grove or worked as a keeper of hares.
History: The surname Hargreaves has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the medieval period. The name was first found in Lancashire in the north of England, where the Hargreaves family held a seat from early times.
Notable People:
- James Hargreaves (1720–1778): An English weaver and inventor, best known for his invention of the spinning jenny, a key development in the Industrial Revolution.
- Leslie Hargreaves (1907–1991): A British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party.
Modern Distribution: The surname Hargreaves continues to be found primarily in the United Kingdom, with a concentration in regions such as Lancashire and Yorkshire. However, due to emigration and global migration trends, individuals bearing the surname can be found in various parts of the world today.
Variants: Variants of the surname Hargreaves include Hargraves, Hargrevas, and Hargrovers.
Coat of Arms: The coat of arms associated with the Hargreaves surname typically features symbols such as hares, trees, and heraldic elements reflecting the family's history and origins.
Legacy: The surname Hargreaves has left a mark on English history, particularly through the achievements of notable individuals who have borne the name. Additionally, many families with the Hargreaves surname continue to uphold their heritage and connections to the regions where the name has historical significance.
There are approximately 16,360 people named Hargreaves in the UK. That makes it the 541st most common surname in Britain. Around 251 in a million people in Britain are named Hargreaves.
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
- Ian
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.