Last Name Groll

The surname Groll is of German origin. It is derived from various Germanic personal names with the element "Gro(t)h" meaning "famous" or "powerful." Over time, these personal names became hereditary surnames in Germany and other regions with a significant Germanic influence, such as Austria and Switzerland. The variant spellings of this name, including Grolle and Grohl, also have similar origins and can be found among both German-speaking populations and those with German ancestry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Groll

The meaning and origin of the last name Groll

The surname Groll is of German and Jewish origin, derived from a nickname or occupation name. It is believed to have been originally an occupational name for someone who was a maker of drums or barrels, as "Grolle" or "Krolle" in Middle High German means a small drum or barrel. The name may also have originated as a nickname for a loud, boisterous person, as "grollen" in Middle High German means to grumble or growl. In Jewish contexts, it is sometimes associated with the Yiddish word "Grole", meaning a simpleton or idiot. Historically, Groll has been recorded in various spellings such as Grohl, Grol, Groell, and Grölle, reflecting its regional variations and changes over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Groll

The surname Groll has a significant presence primarily within Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia, due to its Germanic origins. It is also found in other parts of the world as a result of migration. For instance, it is present in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa where many people of German descent have settled over the centuries. The distribution varies within each country, with some regions showing a higher concentration compared to others. For example, in Germany, it is most frequent in Bavaria, while in Poland, it is more prevalent in Silesia and Masuria. However, it's important to note that the exact distribution can vary due to factors such as historical events, population movements, and changes in naming practices over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Groll

The surname Groll has various spellings and variants due to regional differences and transcription errors over time. Some common spelling variations include: Grohl, Grolle, Grole, Grohle, Grahl, Grahle, Grolich, Grolla, Grohlke, and Grollman. These variations may stem from changes in spelling conventions or regional dialects, as well as errors in record keeping throughout history. Additionally, the name can be found with a variety of prefixes, such as van der Groll, von Groll, and de Groll. While these variations share an etymological origin, they may have distinct histories and origins within different families or regions.

Famous people with the last name Groll

Notable individuals with the surname Groll include:

1. Hans Groll (1909-1945), a German SS officer and the commander of Sobibor extermination camp during World War II. He was assassinated by Jewish prisoners during the Sobibor uprising in 1943.

2. Walter Groll (born 1936), a German mathematician who has made significant contributions to the field of algebraic topology. He is a member of several academies and has received numerous awards for his work.

3. Karlheinz Groll (born 1954), an Austrian politician who served as a member of the National Council from 1999 to 2006, representing the Green Party.

4. David Groll (born 1967), an American author and journalist who has written extensively about politics, culture, and travel. His work has appeared in various publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Harper's Magazine.

5. Michael Groll (born 1984), an American chef and the executive chef at Camonte's Restaurant in Long Island City, New York. He is a judge on Food Network's show "Chopped" and has authored several cookbooks.

Genealogical research on the last name Groll

The surname Groll originates from Germany and is derived from various regions including Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. Historically, it is an occupational name for a miller or a nickname for someone with a round face. In Germany, the name can be traced back to the 13th century, with early records showing Adam Groller in Fulda, Hesse in 1273. The migration of German families led to the spread of the surname to other parts of Europe, such as France, Poland, and Russia. In the United States, the name became more prevalent during the 19th century due to immigration waves from Germany. Variations of the surname include Groller, Goerl, Gorl, and others, reflecting regional dialects and transcription errors over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Groll"
• 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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