What is the origin of the last name Griggs?
Countries of origin for the last name Griggs
The last name Griggs has a number of interesting facts associated with it. First and foremost, it is an English surname that has its origins in the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Old Norse personal name “Gregor,” which means “vigilant” or “watchful.” As a patronymic surname, it started being used to denote “the son of Gregor.”
Griggs is classified as a topographic surname, which means it was originally given to individuals based on their place of residence or geographic features. In this case, the name likely referred to someone who lived near a ridge or hill, as it is derived from the Middle English word “grygge,” meaning “a ridge” or “a steep slope.”
Another interesting aspect of the Griggs surname is its migration to America. It is known to have arrived in the United States during the 17th century, especially in the New England region. Many Griggs families can trace their roots back to early settlers with this surname. The name’s association with America is further emphasized by the fact that notable figures with the last name Griggs have contributed to various fields of American society, such as politics, the military, and academia.
As with many surnames, variations of Griggs have emerged over time. These variations include Grigge, Grig, and Gigg, among others. It is worth mentioning that the pronunciation of the name can also vary, with some pronouncing it with a hard “g” sound and others with a soft “g” sound.
The surname Griggs has deep historical roots and carries with it a sense of heritage and lineage. It reflects the migratory patterns of individuals and families throughout history, particularly in the context of England and America. While the specific origins of the Griggs family may not be conclusively known, the name’s etymology and historical significance provide a fascinating lens through which to explore the past. Further research and exploration may uncover even more intriguing details about this surname, painting a more comprehensive picture of the Griggs family’s ancestral connections and contributions.
Interesting facts about the last name Griggs
- The surname Griggs is of English origin and is derived from the Old Norse word “grígr” which means “to growl” or “to snarl.”
- It is believed that the name may have originally been a nickname given to someone with a particularly fierce or aggressive nature.
- The spelling variations of the surname include Grigs, Grig, Grigge, Grigg, and Grog.
- The earliest recorded instance of the surname Griggs dates back to the early 14th century in England, with the name appearing in various regions across the country.
- The Griggs surname is relatively rare, with a concentration primarily in the south of England.
- There are several notable individuals with the surname Griggs, including Thomas Griggs, an English politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Ipswich in the late 17th century, and Henry Griggs, an Australian cricketer who played in the late 19th century.
- The name Griggs is not associated with any particular coat of arms or heraldic symbols.
- Griggs is a fairly uncommon surname in modern times, with the majority of individuals with this name being of English or American descent.
- While not specifically linked to any famous individuals, the surname Griggs has likely been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, such as academics, arts, science, and business.
- Researching the genealogy of the Griggs surname can be a fascinating endeavor, as it may reveal connections to historical events and influential people throughout history.
Name Rank
#1437
There are around 24819 people with the last name Griggs in the US