Surname Greifzu - Meaning and Origin
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Greifzu: What does the surname Greifzu mean?
The last name Greifzu is of Germanic origin, and is derived from the German word “greifen” meaning “to grasp” or “seize.” The name could have originated as an occupational surname for a person who was a forester or a hunter since both occupations require the ability to seek out and seize prey or wood, either for sustenance or for trade.
It could also refer to a person who held a military position, such as a sheriff, as the ability to seize power and enforce laws is also implied by the meaning of the word. Alternatively, the name could be derived from the Germanic “greifen” meaning “grasp” or “take hold of,” where it may be used to signify someone who is a leader or an influential figure.
The Greifzu family history is relatively unknown, though records have been kept in certain areas of Germany, where it is believed to have originated. There are many branches of the same family tree, and members now live in various parts of the world. Their descendants share the same name, even though their lives were all very different - with a common ancestor at the top of the tree.
Summed up, the last name Greifzu is a Germanic surname. It implies a person with the strength of character to “grasp” and “seize” power, whether that be in a military, occupational or societal role. The meaning of the name encompasses a range of meanings and suggests a leader or influential figure.
Order DNA origin analysisGreifzu: Where does the name Greifzu come from?
The last name Greifzu is most commonly found in Germany today, particularly in the East and North. It is a Germanic or Slavic name of uncertain origin. The earliest records of the Greifzu family date back to 1328 in an old Bavarian settlement known as the Greifzu.
The Greifzu surname has spread across Europe and throughout Germany in different directions. Early records show the Greifzu living in Bavaria, Thuringia, East Prussia, and Silesia. This family eventually spread across Germany and can now be found in large cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.
Within Germany there are several regional variations of the Greifzu name. In some regions the family is referred to as Greifzuh, Greifzä, or Greifzuva, among other forms.
Outside of Germany, the Greifzu surname can be found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Poland. Though uncommon in the United States, some members of this family have made their way there over the years, mostly through the German immigration of the 19th century.
The Greifzu family is a proud one, and has a strong sense of identity and history. It is very much alive and well in Germany today, and continues to spread throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Greifzu
The surname Greifzu has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These different spellings are mostly a reflection of the different regional dialects across the world. The most common variations of Greifzu are Greifszu, Greifschu, Greifshu, Greifzu, Griefzu, Greifsoh, and Greifsoe.
Other variations of Greifzu include Gripe, Greeps, Grep, Graep, Graef, Graff, Graefz, Grupp, Grupe, Greep, Graip, Graeppe, Greip, Graipf, Greppes, Greipf, Griputz, Grief, Greif, Greiph, Grieff, Greifen, and Greiffel.
In international settings, different spellings of the surname Greifzu include Greiffo, Greiphu, Greiff, Greifius, Greifsoh, Greiffuss, Greiffo, Greifosh, Greifso, Gripshu, Greifahl, Greifie, Greeff, Grievo, Tryeph, Tryephe, Tryipha, Tryiffe, Grife, Grifi, Grifo, and Grifu.
Surnames of the same origin as Greifzu include German, Dutch, and Scandinavian surnames such as Gröff, Grebbe, Greb, Grebe, Graf, Graef, Graefs, Griep, Griefs, Gripp, Grupp, Greip, and Greiff.
The different spellings and variations of the surname Greifzu owe their existence to centuries of migration, which has seen individuals of this surname settle in various parts of the world and adopt different dialects. It is important to note, however, that many spellings and surnames related to the Greifzu surname are rooted in the same origin.
Famous people with the name Greifzu
- Benjamin Greifzu: American athlete and Special Olympic medal winner
- Martin Greifzu: German politician and leader of the country's Social Democratic Party
- Müller Greifzu: Swiss architect and landscape designer
- Alexander Greifzu: German psychiatrist and neuropsychologist
- Karl Greifzu: German businessman and entrepreneur
- Franz Greifzu: Swiss painter and sculptor
- Erwin Greifzu: German composer and cellist
- Johannes Greifzu: German industrialist
- Christiane Greifzu: German interior designer
- Friedrich Greifzu: Austrian psychiatrist and psychotherapist
- Timo Greifzu: German photographer and visual artist
- Thomas Greifzu: German politician and Member of the European Parliament
- Felix Greifzu: German sculptor
- Heinrich Greifzu: German Holocaust survivor
- Helmut Greifzu: German sports journalist
- Judith Greifzu: German author and journalist
- Ute Greifzu: German trade unionist and lawyer
- Stephan Greifzu: German author and illustrator
- Heinz Greifzu: German geologist
- Stefan Greifzu: German actor and director