Surname Graave - Meaning and Origin
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Graave: What does the surname Graave mean?
The last name Graave is of Dutch origin. Its etymology is derived from the Old Dutch word “grave,” which means “messenger.” From this word, there is the Old Germanic tribe called the Graven, from which the surname originated. The Graven used the surname to mark themselves as belonging to the same clan.
Graave can also be found in the records of the Dutch Reformed Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Middle Ages. It was believed that members of the same family had to be considered as related but not necessarily related by blood. This belief eventually created the tradition of taking on a family surname.
Over time, the meaning of the surname Graave has remained largely consistent. In modern times, the surname is primarily seen to denote the family's guardian angel, messenger, or protector. It is also used to signify the importance of loyalty and dedication to one's family.
As the modern world has become more diverse and technology-driven, the meaning of the surname may have shifted from its traditional meaning. Today, the surname Graave is mostly associated with the idea of having a strong moral code and putting one’s family first. Those who bear the surname often use it as a reminder to stay loyal to their family and friends, as well as to stay true to their beliefs.
Order DNA origin analysisGraave: Where does the name Graave come from?
The last name Graave is most commonly found in the Netherlands today. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, in 2018 the surname Graave was the 351st most popular name in the country. This places the name in the upper part of the top 700 most common surnames in this region.
The first recorded spelling of the surname Graave is from 1265 in East Flanders in Belgium and comes from the Middle Dutch term "grava" meaning dike or ditch. This type of landholding has been common in parts of Holland and Belgium, and may indicate that this is the origin of the surname.
In addition to the Netherlands and Belgium, the surname Graave can also be found in Germany, particularly in the province of North Rhine-Westphalia. Records show that the surname was also used in North America in an immigrant context from the late 1800s. This suggests that over the course of history members of the Graave family moved around, leaving their mark in many different places.
Most commonly a Dutch and Belgian surname, there are many with the last name Graave living across these regions today.
Variations of the surname Graave
The surname Graave is a Dutch and Low German surname from the Netherlands and Germany that is derived from the Middle Dutch word "Graef", meaning "count". As such, variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:
Grayve,Graaff, Graefe, Gräf, Gräfel, Gräfe, Graf, Graef, Grafel, Grafels, Graeve, Graff, Graeve, Graffel, Graaf, Graafel, Graav, Graavs, Graave, Graaffel, Graaw and Graauw.
In some cases, Graave can also be found spelled as Graavje or Graawje.
The surname can also be found with various other suffixes and prefixes, such as the Germanic suffixes "-stein", "-son" or "-man", or the French prefix "de"; for example De Graave, Graave Stein, Graveson, Graaveman.
In America, and in other English-speaking countries, the pronunciation of the name has changed over time, with the spelling "Graves" being more commonly used.
The surname is also found in various variant spelling forms all over the world, such as the Danish "Graaven", the Swedish "Gràf" and the Spanish/Portuguese "Graça".
Famous people with the name Graave
- Amanda Graave: actress, dancer, and stunt performer who has appeared in films such as Bladerunner 2049 and Everest.
- Eleanor Graave: Australian actress best known for playing the lead role in horror movie, Cursed.
- Katharine Graave: American film and television actress primarily known for her recurring role as Madge in the ABC sitcom, 'The Middle'.
- Els Graave: Dutch Music Producer and singer who has released several albums and gone on multiple world tours.
- Adrian Graave: Canadian Comedian and Actor whose credits include a recurring role as the hilarious 'Dr. Genghis' on the sitcom, 'Happy Wednesday'.
- Lars Graave: Danish Author and Professional Creative Writing Instructor who wrote the acclaimed book 'The Art of Storytelling'.
- Eric Graave: Producer and Actor who was involved in the production of the films Stomp the Yard, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, and I Think I Love My Wife.
- Annemarie Graave: Dutch entrepreneur who launched a skincare line for the beauty and wellness industry.
- Hanneke Graave: Canadian entrepreneur whose company creates customized clothing for sports teams and special events.
- Willem Graave: Dutch professional basketball player who has played for the Dutch Basketball League since 2010.