Last Name Grasser

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grasser

The meaning and origin of the last name Grasser

The surname Grasser is primarily of German origin, derived from occupational, topographic, or metonymic sources. In its original form, it likely refers to someone who worked as a grass cutter or tended to pastures (occupational). The name could also have been given to someone living near a pasture or meadow (topographical). Alternatively, the surname may have originated from a metonymic connection, where the person was associated with grass-covered land, perhaps due to their residence or occupation. The root word "Gras" in German means grass, which is prevalent throughout the name's various spellings, including Grasser, Graesser, and Grauss, found in different regions of Germany and Austria.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grasser

The surname Grasser is predominantly distributed across Central Europe, particularly Austria and Germany, where it originated. Historically, it is believed to have derived from various Germanic roots, such as "gras" meaning grass or meadow, and "graf" meaning count. It has also been found in significant numbers in Switzerland and Italy, possibly due to migration and historical ties with the German-speaking regions. The name is less common but still present in other European countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, as well as in North America, particularly the United States, where many Austrian and German immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent times, there has been a global dispersion of individuals with the surname Grasser, largely due to emigration and migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grasser

The surname Grasser has several variations and spellings in English, primarily due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic translations over time and across regions. Some common versions include:

1. Graesser
2. Graeser
3. Grazier
4. Greiser
5. Gresser
6. Grassere
7. Graser
8. Grazer
9. Grezzer
10. Graessler
11. Graezer

These variations may stem from minor differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or even errors during transcription. Despite the variations, all these surnames share a common root and are generally considered similar forms of the original name.

Famous people with the last name Grasser

Notable individuals with the surname Grasser include:

1. Christoph Grasser (born 1962), an Austrian alpine skier who won a silver medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics in slalom.
2. Erich Grasser (1930-2018), an Austrian writer and historian known for his work on Austria's Nazi past.
3. Gabriele Grasser (born 1975), an Italian tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 64 in singles.
4. Jürgen Grasser (born 1942), a German political scientist and author, serving as the Rector Magnificus of the University of Bonn from 2007 to 2013.
5. Markus Grasser (born 1968), an Austrian former football player who represented Austria at international level.
6. Stefan Grasser (born 1984), a German biathlete, bronze medalist in the mixed relay event at the 2017 World Championships.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, academia, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Grasser

The surname Grasser originates from Germany and is derived from an occupational name for a grass cutter or a gardener. The name is found in various regions of Germany, including Bavaria, Swabia, and Westphalia. Early records show that the name was first documented in the 13th century, with Wilhelm Grasser appearing in the census of Wurzburg in 1276. During the Middle Ages, many people with the surname Grasser migrated to neighboring countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. In the 18th and 19th centuries, a significant number of Grassers emigrated to North America, particularly to the United States and Canada. Notable individuals with the last name Grasser include Franz Grasser, an Austrian mountain climber, and Gerhard Grasser, a German theoretical physicist. Today, the surname is relatively common in Germany, Austria, and other parts of Europe as well as North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Grasser"
• 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