Surname Graef - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Graef: What does the surname Graef mean?
The last name Graef originates from German and is derived from the Middle High German "grawe," meaning "a bailiff or steward" or "secretary." It was a title given to a trusted agent of a local lord who often performed duties such as collecting taxes and managing the lord's estate. This title eventually became a surname, with its spelling having evolved over time to Graef.
The name is also believed to have been an occupational name for someone employed in a government or official capacity. It can be found across central and western Europe in countries like Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Graef is still in use today as a surname as well as a given name for both men and women.
The name denotes a quality of leadership and trustworthiness, as its bearer was once a trusted steward in a local lord's estate. Thus, those with the surname Graef can take pride in the thoughtful and hardworking legacy of their ancestors.
Order DNA origin analysisGraef: Where does the name Graef come from?
The last name Graef is most commonly found today in Germany, as well as some parts of Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. It is most dense in the northern and southwestern regions of Germany, particularly in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Hesse, Hamburg, and Bavaria.
Outside of Germany, the last name can also be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
The last name Graef is derived from the old Germanic word "graef" or "grab", which was often used to identify landowners or those in higher positions in society. It then underwent a process of Latinization, becoming "gravius" which then led to the modern name of "Graef". The word itself has since evolved to mean "shipmaster" or "skipper".
The current estimated population of the Graef surname is around 50,000 individuals. This is a relatively small number when compared to the more than 11 million Germans who have "Schmidt" as their last name.
The family name has also been known to be spelled as Graff, Graeff, Graof, and Gräf in some locations.
Variations of the surname Graef
Graef is an old German and Swiss-German surname, believed to have derived from the German word Graf, meaning "Count" or "Earl". Though the origins and exact spelling of the surname can vary depending on country and region, many of its spelling variants are very similar.
The most common spelling variations of the surname Graef are Graf, Graves, Graff, Graeve, Grafe, Gref, Greffe, Greves, Greff, Graeve, Greve, Gref, Greve, Greaves, Greave, Grevis, and Graeff.
The name can also take on a variety of different languages and spelling variants as well, such as Grave, Grieg, Greab, Greep, Greeb, Greer, Grieve, Graop, Graeber, Grauper, Graupera, Grieve, Gregger, and Grau.
In Switzerland, the surname is particularly prevalent and is often seen spelled Graf, Greiff, Greif, and Grev.
The last name also has many variants in other countries, such as Graf in the Czech Republic, Greif in Hungary, Greiffe in France, and Grieve in Scotland.
In the United States, the surname is often seen spelled Graves, Grave, Gräf, Greff, and Graefe.
Overall, variants of the surname "Graef" are easily recognized and are prevalent in many countries in various spellings. The German spelling variations are among the most common, however, this surname can also be seen in many forms across the world.
Famous people with the name Graef
- Stan Graef: former forward for the Chicago Bulls during the 1988–89 season.
- Bob Graef: journalist, author, and a founding member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
- Harald Graef: mathematician and family name researcher.
- David Graef: former American competitive figure skater.
- Arthur Graef: German zoologist and ornithologist.
- Regina Graef: German discus thrower who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
- Karen Graefe: American former breaststroke swimmer.
- David Graef: former CEO at Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
- Joe Graef: Former American Football Coach.
- Luisa Graef: former volleyball player from Belgium.