Surname Graffe - Meaning and Origin

Graffe: What does the surname Graffe mean?

The last name Graffe is a German surname originating in the 16th century. It is derived from the Germanic word "graf" meaning "count" or "duke", referring to a position of nobility or the holder of a property. Generally, the ending "fe" was appended to titles of land or power to denote ownership or allegiance; thus, Graffe would typically have been the surname of someone who held the title of a count or a duke or was associated with a certain duchy or county.

In the following centuries, Graffe was adopted as a place-name when it became associated with certain geographical areas in Germany. There are currently multiple towns and villages located in these areas that bear the Graffe last name, although it is unclear whether they are all connected through the same Graffe family.

Due to its prominence in certain regions, the Graffe surname has spread to many other countries outside of Germany, and is now common amongst various cultures across the world. Many Graffes have found themselves adopting a variety of professions throughout the years, from farmers and labourers to politicians and lawyers.

As such, the Graffe surname is an excellent example of how surnames can travel with families and evolve over time. Whilst its original origins can be traced back to the German nobility in medieval times, its meaning and purpose has changed drastically over the centuries, adapting and taking on new significance as it is passed down from generation to generation.

Graffe: Where does the name Graffe come from?

The last name Graffe is most common today in Europe. Specifically, in Germany, the Graffe surname is found across the country from North to South in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt. It is also found in several cities in France including Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Additionally, the name Graffe is most prevalent in Italy, particularly in large cities such as Milan, Naples and Rome.

In the United States, the last name Graffe is less widespread. It is most common in certain areas such as Pennsylvania (especially Philadelphia and Pittsburgh), New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Illinois and New York. It is also found in smaller states such as Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

Outside of Europe and the United States, there are a small number of Graffes in South America and Canada. In Canada, the name Graffe is found mostly in Quebec, as well as other cities across the country. In South America, the name is mainly found in the area of Argentina, Chile and Brazil.

In summary, the last name Graffe is most common in Germany, France, Italy, and the United States. It is also found in smaller numbers in Canada, South America, and other countries in Europe.

Variations of the surname Graffe

The surname Graffe is derived from the Old French word graffier which means "to scratch" or "write". Variants of this surname include Graff, Graffius, Gräff, Graffo, Graffy, Graffeo and Grafenauer. The origin of the Graffe surname can be traced back to the Grafenauer, a family of German origin which first established themselves in the south of France.

The Graffe surname is found in many different variations throughout Europe. In France, the Graffe surname can also be spelled Grãfe, Graue, Graux, Grave or Grafes. In the United Kingdom, spellings of this surname include Graff, Graaff, Graft, Grafton and Grafi. In Germany, the Graffe surname is spelled Gräff or Graffius. Other variations of the Graffe surname include Graffy, Graffo, Graffies and Graffan.

In Estonia, the Graffe surname is spelled Graffeo. Other variants of the Graffeo surname in Europe include Graffenauer, Graffner and Graffenberger. Various spelling variants of the Graffenberger surname have been found in Austria, Germany, Poland and Hungary.

The Graffe surname has also been found in other countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where spellings of the surname vary slightly from the original spelling of Graffe. In the United States, variations of the surname include Graf, Graff, Graffe, Graffberg, Grafberg and Graffenberger. In Canada, spellings of the Graffe surname include Graff, Graffes, Graffen, Graffenau, Graffy and Grafenauer.

In Australia, Graffe surname spellings include Graffeo, Graff, Graffus, Graffy and Graffenberg. In New Zealand, Graffe-based surnames include Graff, Graffen, Graffenau and Grafenauer. South Africa's Graffe-based spellings are Graff, Graffen, Graffenauer and Graffy.

Famous people with the name Graffe

• David Graffe: Swedish actor and former professional ice hockey player known for voicing Maui in the Swedish version of Disney's Moana.
• Akira Graffe: Brazilian football player who plays as a forward for the National Premier Soccer League club, Cavalry FC.
• Francisco Graffe: Mexican actor, singer, and television host who is known for having starred in several telenovelas.
• Jenny Graffe: Swedish theatre director, playwright, and author of children's books.
• Bill Graffe: American writer, producer, and director who is best known for directing the films Other People's Business and Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland.
• Caroline Graffe: French actress most famous for playing 'Catrina' in the French thriller All Over Again.
• Kathryn Graffe: American singer-songwriter whose debut album, Pins & Needles, was released in 2020.
• Mike Graffe: British former professional rugby union player who played over 100 games for Gloucester in the English Premiership.
• Angela Graffe: German actress most known for appearing in the German horror films Fanny and Zombie Massacre.
• Bradley Graffe: Canadian actor, author, and comedian who has appeared in several TV shows and films, most notably Queer as Folk.

Other surnames

GraffGraffenriedGraffweg