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Last Name Grass

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What is the origin of the last name Grass?

The surname Grass is of German origin and means "grass" in English. It is derived from various place names with the element "Gras" (grass) in Germany, such as Gras or Grase, which were habitational names for people living near these places. Over time, it became a hereditary surname. Other variations of the name include Graß, de Graß, and von Grass. The surname is also found in other Germanic-speaking countries, such as Austria and Switzerland, due to migration over centuries.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Grass

The surname Grass is of Old German origin, derived from various topographical and occupational names. The name can be traced back to several sources, indicating its diverse origins. One source suggests that it may have come from the Middle High German "gras" meaning grass or pasture, used as a nickname for someone who lived near such an area or worked with grazing livestock. Another possible origin is from the Old High German "grasso," meaning stout or strong, which could have been used as a descriptive name. The surname may also have origins in the Old Norse "grasi" or "grasr," meaning grass, indicating Scandinavian influence. Over time, various spellings and variations of the name have emerged due to transmission errors and regional dialects, such as Grassmann, Grasse, de la Grasse, and more.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grass

The surname Grass has a significant geographical distribution across various regions worldwide, with notable concentrations in Germany and parts of Eastern Europe due to its Germanic origins. It is one of the most common surnames in Germany, particularly in Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Outside Europe, it is also prevalent among descendants of German immigrants, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the United States, Grass is most common in states with a higher percentage of German ancestry like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. The surname can also be found in other European countries due to historical migration patterns, such as the Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grass

The surname Grass can exhibit various spellings and variations, often due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, or personal preferences over time. Some common variations include Grasse, Graas, Grazz, and de Graaf. Grass may also be found with diacritical marks such as Gräß, Gràss, or Gråss depending on the language and region. Additionally, compound surnames including Grass may exist, like von der Grass, Grassmann, or Grasser. These variations serve to highlight the diversity in naming conventions across different cultures and periods throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Grass

Hermann Hesse and Günter Grass are two notable individuals with the surname Grass, both celebrated for their significant contributions to literature.

Hermann Hesse (1874-1962), a Swiss author, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946 for his profound works exploring spiritual and philosophical themes, such as "Siddhartha" and "Steppenwolf".

Günter Grass (1927-2015) was a German novelist, poet, and artist. He gained international recognition with the publication of his first novel, "The Tin Drum", in 1959. The book received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1999, recognizing Grass's unique approach to contemporary history and his powerful portrayals of humanity.

Genealogical research on the last name Grass

The surname Grass originates from Germany and is derived from various topographical and occupational sources. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the mid-13th century in the region of Swabia, where it was often associated with farmsteads located near grassy areas or meadows. Another variant of the name originated from the Middle Dutch word "gras," meaning grass, and may have been an occupational name for a person who worked as a gardener, lawn keeper, or thatcher. The Grass family is also found in England, with early records showing a John de la Graze mentioned in the Poll Tax Rolls of Yorkshire in 1379. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Matthias Jacob Schmidt Grass (1824-1896), a German-born American politician who served as the Governor of Wisconsin, and Thomas Grass (1858-1937), an Australian painter known for his landscapes of outback Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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