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Last Name Groh

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What is the origin of the last name Groh?

The surname Groh is of German origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "groe" meaning 'growth', referring to a cultivator or gardener. Alternatively, it could be a nickname for someone with a protruding jaw, as "Groh" is also the Old High German word for 'jaw'. The name may have been brought to various European countries by German settlers or mercenaries over the centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Groh

The meaning and origin of the last name Groh

The surname Groh originates from Germanic roots, specifically derived from the Middle High German word "grô" which means 'growth' or 'crop'. It was often given to individuals who lived near fertile fields or farms, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Over time, variations in spelling arose due to changes in language, migration, and regional dialects, such as Grohe, Groe, and Grah. The name has been found in various German-speaking regions throughout history, with notable bearers recorded in the Middle Ages. In modern times, it is still commonly found among populations of German descent, particularly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Groh

The last name Groh is predominantly found in Germany and its surrounding regions due to its historical origin. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it's one of the most common surnames in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, as well as in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony in Germany. The name has also been found in smaller numbers in Austria, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, suggesting possible migration from these regions over time. Outside Europe, there are Groh families residing primarily in the United States and Canada, with concentrations in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois in the U.S., and Ontario and British Columbia in Canada. This geographical distribution reflects historical German immigration patterns to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Groh

The surname Groh has several variations and spelling alternatives. These include Groeh, Groe, Grah, and Groy. In some cases, it can be found with diacritic marks such as Gröh or Großh. It is important to note that these variations may originate from different regions or time periods, and they do not necessarily indicate a direct familial connection between individuals bearing these versions of the name. Additionally, the spelling Groove, while phonetically similar, represents a different surname altogether.

Famous people with the last name Groh

Notable individuals bearing the surname Groh include:

1. Kurt Groh (born 1943), a retired American football player who played as a guard for the San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys during his 12-year career in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected to five Pro Bowls and won four NFL championships with the Cowboys.

2. Marvin Groh (born 1945), an American professional baseball player who played as a first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Philadelphia Phillies between 1967 and 1980. He was named an All-Star in 1970 and won two Gold Gloves in 1969 and 1973.

3. Erich Groh (born 1963), a German musician, songwriter, and record producer who co-founded the German band Die Fantastischen Vier in 1985. The group is considered one of the pioneers of hip hop music in Germany.

4. Michael J. Groh (born 1970), an American lawyer serving as United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit since 2018. Prior to his judicial appointment, he served as a United States Attorney and Assistant United States Attorney in various roles from 2001 to 2017.

5. Tina Groh (born 1966), a German former swimmer who competed for East Germany at the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning four gold medals as part of relay teams. She also won five individual European Championship titles between 1983 and 1987.

Genealogical research on the last name Groh

The surname Groh is of German origin, stemming from various regions including Bavaria and Saxony. It is derived from the Middle High German "groe," meaning growth or increase, reflecting its early association with agricultural prosperity. The first recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the late medieval period in Germany. As German populations expanded and migrated, variations of the Groh surname emerged across Europe, including Grove, Graw, and Gröb. One notable bearer of the name is Johann Georg Christian von Groth (1768-1839), a prominent natural scientist who made significant contributions to botany and geology in Germany during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Groh family tree has branched out globally, with descendants now dispersed across Europe, North America, Australia, and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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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