Last Name Grant

The surname "Grant" originates from Scotland and England. It is an Anglicized form of various Gaelic names meaning "grant," "large," or "noble." In Scotland, it derives primarily from Mac Gille-Brighid, a sept of Clan Donald, while in England, it comes from the Old Norse word "grani," meaning "crag" or "high cliff." The name was also given as an Anglo-Norman surname to followers of William the Conqueror.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Grant

The surname Grant derives from the Old Norse name "Grani" which means crane. It was initially brought to Britain by Viking invaders during the medieval period. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Grantham, Granth, Granthome, and Grant. The name Grant became widely established in Scotland due to Norman influence after the conquest of 1066, and it is often associated with Clan Grant, one of the oldest Highland families that were powerful chieftains in the Scottish Highlands. Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the surname Grant include Ulysses S. Grant, an American general and the 18th President of the United States, and Cary Grant, a British-American actor known for his roles in Hollywood films during the Golden Age.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grant

The surname Grant is predominantly of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "grant," meaning 'large.' Its geographical distribution reflects this historical background, with a high concentration in Scotland, particularly in areas like the Scottish Highlands and Central Belt. Significant populations bearing the name Grant can also be found in other parts of the United Kingdom, including England and Ireland. The diaspora from Scotland led to the spread of the surname to English-speaking countries, notably the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., Grant is most prevalent in the Southern states due to early Scottish settlers. It's also relatively common in parts of Canada, especially Ontario and Nova Scotia, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grant

The surname Grant has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variations include: Grantham, Granite, Granit, Grantt, Grante, Grandt, Grahnt, Graunt, Greant, and Gravent. These variations may result from changes in pronunciation or spelling conventions over the centuries. Additionally, some people with this surname may have altered the spelling to reflect a particular family's preferred form or to avoid confusion with other names. The origin of Grant is Old Norse in origin, derived from the personal name Grani, which means "granite" or "stony." The surname became popular in England due to the Norman Conquest in 1066 when many Normans brought their names to Britain.

Famous people with the last name Grant

Notable individuals bearing the surname Grant include Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a prominent military general during the American Civil War. Another significant figure is Julia Grant, the wife of President Grant, who was also known for her social activism and philanthropy. In literature, there's Nancy Hale, an acclaimed author who won the O. Henry Award for her short story "The Wednesday Afternoon," and Ellen Glasgow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. In the realm of film, Cary Grant was a popular Hollywood actor known for his roles in films such as North by Northwest and To Catch a Thief. Lastly, Ulysses S. Grant III, grandson of the former president, was an influential figure in the preservation of Civil War battlefields. These figures represent diverse fields and have made significant contributions to their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Grant

The surname Grant originates from the Old Norse word "grant," which means large or big. It was originally a nickname for someone with a broad chest or a large estate. The name is most prominent in Scotland and Ireland, where it has been traced back to the 13th century. In Scotland, the name is associated with the Clan Grant, one of the oldest Highland clans. The clan's origins can be traced to Grannt, a Norse-Gaelic name meaning "a large place," which was the original name for the area around Inverness. The Irish branch of the family originated in County Cork and has been associated with the Earls of Desmond. Famous persons bearing the surname Grant include Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, and Cary Grant, a prominent Hollywood actor.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Grant"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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