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Last Name Granville

What is the origin of the last name Granville?

The last name Granville has multiple possible origins. One possible origin is that it is an English surname derived from the old Norman French name "Grandville," meaning "large town" or "great village." In this case, the name may have originally indicated that the family hailed from a prominent or important settlement. Another possible origin is that Granville is a locational surname derived from the town of Granville in Normandy, France. It was common for people to take the name of their hometown as a surname when they moved to a new location. It is worth noting that surnames often have multiple origins and can vary across different regions and families, so it is always advisable to conduct further research or consult with genealogical experts for specific cases.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Granville

The Decennial U.S. Census data also provides us with insight into the ethnic identities associated with the surname Granville. Over the decade from 2000 to 2010, there were some notable shifts. The percentage of Granvilles identifying as Black saw a small increase of 3.17%, rising from 38.80% to 40.03%. Meanwhile, those who identified as Hispanic nearly doubled, growing from 2.13% to 4.03%. There was also a slight increase among those identifying as American Indian and Alaskan Native, from 0.26% to 0.35%. However, the percentage of Granvilles who identify as White decreased by 4.91%, falling from 55.61% to 52.88%. Similarly, the percentages of those reporting Asian/Pacific Islander or two or more races also fell over this time period.

20002010Change
White55.61%52.88%-4.91%
Black38.8%40.03%3.17%
Hispanic2.13%4.03%89.2%
Two or More Races2.6%2.15%-17.31%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.6%0.58%-3.33%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0.26%0.35%34.62%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Granville

The meaning and origin of the last name Granville

The surname Granville has French origins and is derived from the place name "Granville" which is a town in Normandy, France. The name itself is composed of two elements - "grane," meaning "grain" and "ville," meaning "settlement" or "town." Therefore, the name Granville can be interpreted as "grain town" or "town associated with grain." Granville is an ancient surname that dates back to medieval times, and its use as a surname indicates that individuals with this name likely had ancestral ties to the town of Granville in Normandy. Over time, families with the surname Granville may have migrated and settled in different regions, leading to the dispersion of the name across various countries. Today, individuals with the surname Granville can be found in different parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The meaning and origin of the surname Granville connect present-day bearers with their medieval ancestors and the historic town of Granville in Normandy, France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Granville

The surname Granville has a diverse geographical distribution, with individuals bearing this name found across several continents. In Europe, the name is commonly found in countries such as England, France, and Scotland. England, in particular, has a significant concentration of Granvilles, especially in regions like Yorkshire, Devon, and Cornwall. In France, the name is associated with the historic Duchy of Granville in Normandy, and individuals with this surname can be found in various parts of the country. Additionally, there is a notable presence of Granvilles in the United States, particularly in states like Louisiana, Georgia, and Ohio. In Canada, Granvilles can be found in provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. The surname also has a presence in Australia, with individuals bearing the name residing in different regions throughout the country. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Granville reflects a widespread presence across various nations, highlighting its international nature.

Variants and spellings of the last name Granville

The last name Granville could have various variations and spellings due to historical, regional, and personal factors. Some possible variations could include Granvill, Granvile, and Granvillle, where slight changes in vowel or consonant placement occur. Additionally, different dialects or accents may lead to alternative pronunciations, such as Gran-vuhl or Gran-ville. Another variation could be found in different languages, where the name might be translated or adapted phonetically. For instance, in French, it could be spelled Grenville or Grenvillé. Moreover, individuals may choose to intentionally alter the spelling of their surname for personal reasons, like creative adaptations or simplifications, resulting in spellings like Grannville or Granvill. These variations and spellings contribute to the rich tapestry of a family's history, embracing uniqueness, heritage, and individuality.

Famous people with the last name Granville

One famous person with the last name Granville is Aunt Jemima, whose full name was Nancy Green. She was one of the first African-American corporate sponsored models, identified as the face of the Aunt Jemima brand. Her portrayal helped shape the brand's image for several decades, although her life story remains relatively unknown. Additionally, another notable figure is Henrietta Granville, an English actress who flourished during the 19th century. She gained fame for her performances on the London stage, particularly in tragedies and melodramas. Known for her beauty and dramatic presence, Granville captivated audiences with her talent. She was praised for her performances in Shakespearean plays, such as Othello and Hamlet. These two individuals, Nancy Green and Henrietta Granville, have left their mark in history and garnered recognition for their respective contributions in advertising and the performing arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Granville

The surname Granville is believed to have its origins in Normandy, France. The family was descended from the powerful Norman noble family of De Granville, who held extensive lands in Normandy. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is Robert de Grandeville, who is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 as holding land in England. Over time, the family expanded and established branches in various regions, including Yorkshire, Devon, and Cornwall. In 1515, the family was granted the title of Earl of Granville by King Henry VIII. The family played significant roles in British politics and society over the centuries. Notable individuals include Granville George Leveson-Gower, 2nd Earl Granville, who served as Foreign Secretary and was a renowned diplomat in the 19th century. Today, the surname Granville continues to have a presence across the globe, with descendants of the family found in various countries.

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