Surname Greiser - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Greiser: What does the surname Greiser mean?
The last name Greiser is of Germanic origin, meaning "victorious" or "conquested". It is likely derived from an early medieval given name Griswald or Grimwald, composites of the elements "gir" or "grim", meaning "fierce", and "wald" meaning "rule". The surname Greiser first appeared in the Rhineland in the 14th century and was most likely derived from a Medieval German knightly family.
Greiser is among the earliest recorded last names on German soil, with mentions occurring as early as 1289 in Frankfurt. Later records show that the family spread to various regions, eventually reaching the areas of Baden, Bayern, Westfalen, and other regions near the Rhineland. In addition, some Greisers can be found in present-day Czech Republic and Russia.
The Greiser family is likely associated with wealth and status. During the 15th century, family members often served as prominent mayors, leading civic societies, as high-ranking civil servants, and as members of nobility. In addition, the Greiser family was believed to have charitable interests, establishing churches, building schools, and providing financial aid to those in need.
Today, the Greiser surname remains well established in the German region, with many current members still claiming their connection to the original family. The ancient Greiser emblem, a black lion, is often used to symbolize their illustrious history and notable accomplishments.
Order DNA origin analysisGreiser: Where does the name Greiser come from?
The last name Greiser is most common in Germany. It is also found in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Greiser is a variation of the German surname Gräser, meaning literally “grass-cutter”. The Greiser surname is estimated to be held by about 8,000 to 10,000 people in Germany today.
Originally the name Greiser was most common in Middle Germany, and Bavaria, but during the period of emigration in the 19th century it spread to many other places in Europe, and North America. Many Greisers now live in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
In Germany, the region of Bavaria is the area where most people with the surname Greiser live. It is also found in the larger cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, as well as in Thuringia and Lower Saxony. Other Greisers have emigrated to countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, but these numbers are hard to estimate.
Greiser is also used as a forename and many people in Germany have it as a middle name. It is also used as a first name in Russia in honor of the famous scientist Jakob Greiser (1854–1915).
In the United States, there is a record of five Greisers in 1860. By 1890, the census recorded 81 Greisers in the US. The Greiser name is steadily growing in the US and can be found in all 50 states.
Variations of the surname Greiser
The surname Greiser has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Common variations include Greiser, Greisler, Greiz, Greizel, Greisser, Greizner, Greige, Greisz, and Gräsz.
These variations are common among German and Austrian descendants, and are all derived from the surname Greiser, which is derived from the German word “greise”, which means old. Greiser was originally a nickname given to someone considered elderly or advanced in age. This could refer to a graying of hair, facial wrinkles, or simply someone who is considered old in spirit. The spelling would later change over time to reflect different dialects and regional preferences.
In addition to the Greiser surname, other spelling variations that are also associated with this surname are Greiz, Greisz, Greizner, and Gräsz. These alternate spellings can be found in Austria, Germany, and some parts of Eastern Europe. All of these spellings can be attributed to the same family name, Greiser.
It is important to note that the surname Greiser is also used in some cultures as a given name, with some possible spellings being Grier, Grieser, Greis, Greisch, and Greish. While the origin of the Greiser surname is not certain, it is clear that it is a family name that is derived from an old German word, with various other spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Greiser
- Margaret Greiser: former Canadian politician
- Harold Greiser: German military officer
- Dave Greiser: American politician
- Jens Greiser: German type designer
- Thomas Greiser: German politician
- William Greiser: American weightlifter
- Kathryn Greiser: Australian photographer
- Christopher Greiser: former mayor of Allen Park, Michigan
- Corwin Greiser: American aviator
- Edward Greiser: American police officer and state representative