Last Name Gras

The surname Gras is of French origin, derived from a nickname for someone with thick or coarse hair, as "gras" means "fat" or "thick" in French. It may also have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a wooded area, as "gras" can refer to a grove or copse of trees. In some cases, it could be an occupational name for a grain merchant, as "gras" is also the word for grain in French. This surname is found widely across France and its former territories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gras

The meaning and origin of the last name Gras

The surname Gras is derived from several origins, primarily of French and German ancestry. In French, "gras" translates to 'fat' or 'rich', which could have been used as an occupational name for a butcher or baker, or perhaps a nickname for someone who was plump or prosperous. Alternatively, in German, "Gras" means 'grass', and it may have originated from a topographic name for someone who lived near a grassy area or meadow, or an occupational name for someone who worked with grass or its products, such as a thatcher. The surname Gras can also be found in Catalan-speaking regions of Spain, where it is often associated with the word 'grat', meaning 'thankful' or 'grateful'. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have been anglicized in English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gras

The surname Gras is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to France and Spain. In France, it's most common in the southern departments such as Hérault, Aude, and Pyrénées-Orientales, which border Spain. This distribution suggests a potential migration from Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain where Gras is also prevalent. The surname can also be found in significant numbers in Belgium, particularly in the Wallonia region, likely due to historical ties with France. In addition, there are notable populations of people with the surname Gras in Switzerland and Italy, reflecting migration from France during the Middle Ages. Minor presence of Gras can also be observed in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, where it is likely a result of European immigration waves over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gras

The surname Gras has several variations and spellings in different regions and countries. Some common variants include: Grais, Grace, Grass, Graess, Graaze, Graase, Greiss, and Grease. These variations often arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic variations, or historical changes over time. For instance, "Grais" is a variant found mainly in France, while "Grace" has Anglo-Saxon origins and is prevalent in English-speaking countries. "Greiss" is a German variation of the name, while "Grease" may have originated as a diminutive or nickname in certain cultures. It's always fascinating to explore the historical and geographical variations of surnames like Gras, as they offer insights into the rich cultural tapestry that shapes our world today.

Famous people with the last name Gras

Notable individuals with the surname Gras include:

1. Max Gras (1879-1935), a French art nouveau architect and designer, known for his work on the Paris Métropolitain stations during the early 20th century.

2. Raphaël Gras (born 1984), a French professional footballer who plays as a defender for Stade Rennais FC in France's Ligue 1.

3. Antoine Joseph Santerre Gras (1765-1829), a French military officer who played significant roles during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.

4. John Gras (born 1957), an American politician who served as Mayor of Oak Park, Illinois from 2003 to 2019.

5. Georges Gras (1865-1936), a French artist known for his paintings, engravings, and lithographs, particularly depicting animals and landscapes.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, from architecture and design to politics and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Gras

The surname Gras has roots in multiple European countries, particularly France and Spain, indicating its potential origin as either a topographic name for someone who lived on a grassy area or a nickname for someone with straw-colored hair or complexion.

In France, the name Gras is most commonly found in regions such as Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Aquitaine. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname was Guillaume Gras, a witness to a charter from Montpellier in 1250.

In Spain, the name appears in Catalonia as Grau, which is believed to have the same meaning as its French counterpart. The name also exists in other forms such as De la Grasa and El Gras in various regions of the country. One notable bearer of the name was the 16th-century Catalan philosopher Francesc Vicenç Grau.

The surname Gras can also be found in other European countries, particularly Belgium, Germany, and Italy, suggesting a dispersal of the name from its initial heartland over time. The name continues to be prevalent in these regions today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gras"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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