Last Name Greder

The surname Greder is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "grēt(e)" meaning "peasant" or "freeman." It may have been an occupational name for a peasant farmer or a status name for someone who was considered a free man. As with many surnames, it evolved over time and may have had different meanings or origins in various regions of Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Greder

The meaning and origin of the last name Greder

The surname Greder is of German origin, derived from the Old High German word "grat" which means "gravel" or "pebble." It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone who worked with gravel, possibly as a builder or mason. Over time, it also became a nickname for someone who was sturdy or rugged, like gravel. The spelling variations of this surname include Greder, Gredler, and Grödel. It is most common in Germany but has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Greder

The surname Greder is predominantly found in German-speaking countries and regions due to its origins from the Old High German "Grat" meaning slope or ridge. Variations such as Grader, Graedt, and Gredel also exist within this linguistic group. Historically, it's a common surname in Germany and Switzerland, particularly in areas like Bavaria and Aargau. Beyond these regions, smaller populations can be found in other European countries with historical ties to German migration, such as Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Outside Europe, there are communities with this last name in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the United States, often due to immigration waves from the 19th century onwards.

Variants and spellings of the last name Greder

The surname Greder has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across different regions. Some common variants include Gredler, Gräder, Graedel, Grafeder, Greidel, and Grädel. These variations may be found in German-speaking countries, where the name likely originates from a Middle High German word "grad," meaning "gradient" or "incline." Other sources suggest that the name could have come from a medieval personal name "Grado," meaning "famous" or "glory." In English, the surname is typically spelled Greder, but there may be minor regional differences in spelling due to individual preferences or historical transcription errors.

Famous people with the last name Greder

Notable individuals bearing the surname Greder include:

1. Hans Greder (1892-1943), an Austrian painter and writer who was part of the Dada movement and contributed to the expressionist and surrealist movements in Germany.

2. Paul Greder (born 1951), a German musician known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the band Ton Steine Scherben.

3. Stefan Greider (born 1964), a retired Austrian alpine skier who competed in two Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal in the giant slalom at Calgary 1988.

4. Christian Greder (born 1970), a German football coach and former player, who played for clubs such as FC Augsburg and Stuttgarter Kickers. He also managed FC Augsburg and SSV Jahn Regensburg.

5. David Greder (born 1983), an Australian-American composer known for his works in film, television, and video games. His music has been heard in shows like The Mandalorian and Narcos: Mexico.

Genealogical research on the last name Greder

The surname Greder is believed to have originated from Germany, specifically the Rhineland region. The name is derived from the Old High German "grēde," meaning "grit" or "pebble." The first recorded mention of the name was in the 13th century in the form "von der Greid," indicating noble lineage.

The Greder family migrated to various parts of Europe over centuries, with notable settlements in Switzerland, Austria, and France. In Switzerland, the name is most common in the cantons of Aargau, Zug, and Schaffhausen. The Swiss branch of the Greder family can be traced back to Hans Greder, who lived in the 15th century.

In the United States, the Greder family began arriving in the late 19th century, primarily from Switzerland, with significant populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Notable Americans with the surname Greder include aerospace engineer Richard Greder and football player Karl Greder. The Greder family has maintained its German roots, with many retaining the original spelling of the name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Greder"
• 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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