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Last Name Grieshaber

What is the origin of the last name Grieshaber?

The surname Grieshaber is of German origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from "Grieshau" which means "rocky wood" in Middle High German. The name was originally given as a nickname for someone who lived near such a location or was associated with it in some way. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grieshaber

The meaning and origin of the last name Grieshaber

The surname Grieshaber is of German origin, specifically from Swabia, a region in southwestern Germany. The name is derived from either of two sources: "Grieshag" or "Grieshuber". "Grieshag" refers to a house built on gravelly ground, while "Grieshuber" means 'dweller at the gravel pit'. Over time, the surname has evolved in various spellings such as Griesehauser, Greisshaber, and Grießmayr. The name Grieshaber is relatively uncommon but can be found amongst German-speaking populations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grieshaber

The surname Grieshaber is predominantly distributed in Germany, with a significant concentration in the southwestern region, particularly in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is also found in neighboring regions such as Switzerland, Austria, and parts of France due to historical migration patterns. Additionally, smaller populations can be traced in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada, where immigrants from Germany settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent times, diaspora from these countries has led to the expansion of this surname in other parts of the world, such as Australia and South Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grieshaber

The surname Grieshaber has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variants include Griesebecker, Greisabeck, Griesbeck, Griesebach, Grieseber, and Grisebacher. These variations are primarily due to slight changes in spelling conventions over time and across different countries where German-speaking immigrants have settled. However, it's important to note that these variations may also be a result of individual preference or errors in documentation. In English, the name is typically written as Grieshaber, though its original German pronunciation is more accurately represented by [ˈɡʁiːzəbaːkər].

Famous people with the last name Grieshaber

Notable individuals with the surname Grieshaber include:

1. Kurt Grieshaber (born 1942), a German composer and organist, known for his sacred music and liturgical works.
2. Max Grieshaber (1895-1960), a German politician who served as the Lord Mayor of Nuremberg from 1937 to 1945 during Nazi Germany's rule. He was later prosecuted at the Nuremberg Trials for his role in the persecution of Jews and other crimes against humanity.
3. Stefan Grieshaber (born 1960), a German author who has published novels, short stories, and essays, with themes including love, identity, and memory. His works have been translated into several languages.

Genealogical research on the last name Grieshaber

The surname Grieshaber originates from German-speaking regions, specifically Germany and Austria. The name is derived from the occupation of a gardener or someone who cultivated grapes for making wine, as "Garten" means garden in German and "Weinbergshübler" is an old-fashioned term for vineyard worker. Records indicate that the name was first mentioned in the 16th century in regions such as Swabia and Baden-Württemberg. As migration occurred, Grieshabers settled in various parts of Europe and North America, with notable populations found in the United States, particularly in states like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, due to the German immigration wave during the mid-19th century. The name remains common among these communities today.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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