Last Name Grothe

Learn more about the origin of the last name Grothe

The meaning and origin of the last name Grothe

The surname Grothe is of German origin, derived from various geographical locations or occupations, particularly those related to crops and farming. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was associated with places named "Groth" or "Groot," meaning "large" or "big" in Old High German. It could also have been an occupational surname for a farmer or a cultivator, as "Groth" can refer to a specific type of crop or plant. Over time, the spelling variations of this name, such as Grothe, Groothe, and others, evolved due to regional dialects and transcription errors in records. The name became more prevalent in Germany, but it also spread to other European countries, especially during the migrations and colonizations of the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Grothe

The surname Grothe is primarily distributed across Germany, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, suggesting a historical origin from these regions. Additionally, significant populations bearing this surname can also be found in other German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland. Outside of Europe, the distribution of Grothe is relatively sparse but noticeable in countries with strong Germanic immigration, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. In the U.S., concentrations can be found in states with high German ancestry, notably Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Texas. The distribution pattern reflects historical migration patterns of German settlers around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Grothe

The surname Grothe can have several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common variants include Grote, Groete, Groeth, and Groetje. These variations may arise from slight alterations in pronunciation, spelling errors, or regional dialects. Additionally, the name may have originated from various sources such as Germanic (from 'Grothi', meaning 'grown' or 'old'), Dutch (meaning 'a grove'), or even Old Norse (Grothi, meaning 'grove'). Regardless of the specific variation or spelling, all forms of Grothe are derived from the same root name.

Famous people with the last name Grothe

Notable individuals with the surname Grothe include:

1. Michael Grothé (born 1974), a German-American actor and writer known for his roles in television shows such as "NCIS" and "The Office."
2. Paul Groth (born 1950), an American urban sociologist who specializes in the study of cities, regional development, and sustainable urbanism.
3. Reinhardt Grothe (born 1986), a German swimmer who won gold medals at both the European Championships and the World Aquatics Championships in various events.
4. Robert Grothe (1867-1950), an American painter known for his landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. His works are held in numerous museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
5. Thomas Groth (born 1993), a Norwegian rhythmic gymnast who represented Norway at the Olympics and won multiple medals at the European Championships.

Genealogical research on the last name Grothe

The Grothe surname is of German origin, derived from various places named Grothe or Grothe-Hagen in Westphalia and Lower Saxony regions of Germany. Historically, the name was predominantly associated with the city of Grothe in the Lippe District. The earliest known record of the family can be traced back to the 13th century, when Conradus de Grote is mentioned in documents from the Diocese of Paderborn. The name spread across Europe during migrations and colonizations, particularly to Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the United States. In the U.S., the name is most commonly found in states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, with notable historical figures including Friedrich Ernst Grothe, a German-American politician who served as the first Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Grothe"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025