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Surname Graver - Meaning and Origin

all surnames with 'G'

Graver: What does the surname Graver mean?

The last name Graver is of English and North German origin. In English, it is an occupational name for a worker in a garden or orchard, specifically an engraver of wood or stone, from Middle English "graven" or "graven" which means to engrave or dig. In North German, it is topographic for someone who lived by a grove, from Middle Low German "graver". This surname could also be related to the Old Norse given name "Grímr" and the Old Swedish name "Grim", which both mean "masked person" suggesting that it may have been used for a person who wore a disguise, possibly in the course of their line of work. This name is quite rare but it is mostly found in the United States, England, and Canada. Therefore, the last name Graver could indicate the occupation of the bearer's ancestor or their place of residence.

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Graver: Where does the name Graver come from?

The last name Graver is of Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Grímr", and the Old English personal name "Grimr", both meaning "mask", or "helmet". This name was often used metaphorically to refer to someone of a stern or fierce countenance.

Graver could also have been an occupational name for a worker in a grove or a topographical name for someone living near a grove. This second derivation of the name comes from the Middle English, Middle High German, and Middle Dutch word "grave", meaning grove.

Today, the last name Graver is seen in various countries across the globe due to migration and the spread of families. However, it remains most common in the United States, according to available surname distribution data. Other countries that have a significant number of people with the Graver surname include England, Australia, and Canada. In its country of origin, Norway, the surname is still prevalent, though less common globally.

Variations of the surname Graver

The surname "Graver" may have different variants and spellings which originate from the same root. These include Grave, Gravell, Gravells, Graveran, Gravers, Graven, Gravener, and Graveur.

In terms of surnames that have a similar origin, these may refer to those derived from occupational names. The surname "Graver" derives from the Old English pre 7th Century word "grafere", which was an occupational name for a carver or sculptor. Similar surnames in this category could therefore include other professions such as Baker, Potter, or Taylor.

In addition, the surname may also be related to geographical names. The "Graver" surname, for instance, might be connected to the place name "Graves" in Normandy, from where apparently, the family originally came before moving to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Finally, spelling variations for Graver could have emerged due to transcription errors, differences in regional dialect and changes in the use of language over time. Names similar to Graver could be those mistakenly transcribed such as Grevor, Greaver, or Grieves.

Famous people with the name Graver

  • Sharon Graver: She is an American former competition swimmer who took part in the 1964 Summer Olympics.
  • Guy Graver: He is an American former professional tennis player who played in the late 70s and early 80s.
  • Josh Graver: He is an American musician known as a member of the band Viva Saturn.
  • Drew Graver: He is an American film producer recognized for his work on movies like "The Base," and "The Hunted."
  • Chris Graver: An American cinematographer largely known for his work on the documentaries "Love and Saucers," "Big Sonia," and "The Immortal Jellyfish."
  • Ana Graver: A Mexican actress recognized for her role in "El Gallo Colorado."
  • Shaun Graver: An Australian filmmaker and producer known for his works such as "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole," "Guardians of the Tomb," and “Happy Feet Two.”
  • Hans Jacob Graver: A Norwegian jurist and professor at the University of Oslo. It should be noted that while these individuals have gained recognition in their respective fields, they may not be considered "famous" in the way that a globally recognized celebrity or public figure might be.

Other surnames

GraveGräveGraveleyGravelineGravelleyGravelyGravenGrävenGrävensGraves

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