Last Name Groh

The surname Groh is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "gro," meaning "tall" or "big." Usually, it was originally used as a nickname given to a person who was physically tall or had a large build. Over time, this nickname became a hereditary surname and has been passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Groh

The meaning and origin of the last name Groh

The surname Groh has its origin in Germany, specifically in the region of Bavaria. It is derived from the Old High German word "groh" or "grohe," which translates to "large" or "tall." As a surname, Groh was originally used to describe individuals who were physically imposing or tall in stature. Over time, the name Groh became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. The Groh family name can be traced back to the medieval period, where it was mainly concentrated in the southern regions of Germany. As families migrated throughout the years, the surname spread across different parts of Europe and beyond. Today, individuals with the surname Groh can be found all over the world. The Groh surname carries with it a sense of strength and stature, reflecting the characteristics associated with its original meaning. Like many German surnames, Groh serves as a reminder of one's ancestral heritage and the journey of their family throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Groh

The surname Groh is primarily found in Germany and Austria, with a smaller presence in the United States and Canada. In Germany, the name is most common in the southern regions, such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. These areas have historically been the homeland of the Groh family, and many individuals with this last name can trace their roots back to these regions. Austria also has a significant number of individuals with the surname Groh, particularly in regions close to the German border, including Vienna and Lower Austria. Outside of the German-speaking countries, there is a smaller population of individuals with the last name Groh in the United States and Canada. Many Americans and Canadians with this surname can often trace their ancestry back to German or Austrian immigrants who settled in these countries. While the presence of the Groh family name is not as widespread as in Germany and Austria, it still represents a connection to their European heritage for these individuals.

Variants and spellings of the last name Groh

The last name Groh may have several variations and spellings depending on different factors like regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference. Some of the possible variations of Groh include Grop, Grohe, Grohr, Grow, Grog, Grohmann, Grohs, Grewe, Grau, Grue, and Grauh. These variations could appear in different parts of the world due to migration and cultural diffusion. For instance, Grohe might be more common in areas with a German influence, while Grau could be seen in Spanish-speaking regions. It is also worth noting that alternate spellings can arise over time due to changes in pronunciation or attempts to anglicize names. Hence, it is not unusual to encounter variations such as Groo or Grew. Overall, these numerous variations and spellings of the last name Groh illustrate the diversity and flexibility of surnames across different languages and regions.

Famous people with the last name Groh

The Groh family may not be as well-known as some other celebrity clans, but they have made their mark in various fields. One of the most prominent personalities with the last name Groh is Ernie Groh, a legendary baseball player. Ernie was a skilled third baseman who played for the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds in the early 1900s. With a career spanning over 14 years, he made a significant impact on the sport and was even inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Another notable figure with the last name Groh is Camille Grohé, a renowned French architect. Camille was known for his innovative designs and was part of the École de Nancy movement, contributing to the development of Art Nouveau. His architectural creations continue to inspire and have left a lasting legacy in France and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Groh

The last name Groh has German origins and is primarily found in the country, closely associated with the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The name Groh is derived from the Old High German word "grot" meaning "large" or "tall." It is likely that the name was originally a descriptive nickname for someone who was physically imposing or of great stature. Over time, families bearing the surname Groh spread across different parts of Germany and eventually migrated to other countries during various periods of history. Genealogical research on the surname Groh would involve tracing the family lineage to identify specific individuals and their relationships through official records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as church records, census data, and other historical documents. This research would help uncover ancestral connections and shed light on the migration patterns and origins of the Groh family.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Groh"
• 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 : 8 June 2025

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