Origin & Meaning of the Greaves Surname
What does the last name Greaves mean?
The surname Greaves carries the meaning "Son of Greaves." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,217 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Greaves ranks as the #6,505 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Greaves come from?
The Greaves surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Greaves name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Greaves trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Greaves |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Greaves |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,505 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,217 |
| Per 100K People | 1.77 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Greaves
According to the US Census, the Greaves surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,217 Americans with the Greaves last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 61.01% |
| Black | 31.59% |
| Hispanic | 3.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 0.63% |
| Two or More Races | 2.24% |
Popularity of Greaves Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Greaves surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Greaves surname increased by 486 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Greaves Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Greaves
- ✓ The Greaves coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Greaves families live today
- ✓ Notable Greaves bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Greaves
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Greaves.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Greaves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greaves
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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