Surname Greisl - Meaning and Origin
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Greisl: What does the surname Greisl mean?
The last name Greisl has Germanic origins. The term “graes” can be translated from Old High German as “peacock”, or from Middle High German as “nosy” or “meddlesome”, and the suffix “-el” is a diminutive. The combined meaning of Greisl thus indicates a “peacock-like” quality, or perhaps “small and meddlesome”.
In the Middle Ages, this name most likely indicated someone diplomatic, with a knack for negotiating and mediating situations. These traits were valued highly in the Middle Ages, when resolving disputes and keeping the peace was integral to societal health and stability.
This last name also comes from a broader family of European names, which includes related terms such as Grisel, Greislin, and Graziano. All of these surnames come from the shared Latin root term “gratiosus”, which is defined as someone “loved” and “charitable”. In other words, these surnames derive from qualities that involve an engaging approach to life, being meanspirited, and exhibiting a great deal of compassion.
Thus, the last name Greisl, originally from German, would refer to someone who is diplomatic and peacemaking, and someone with a generally loving, compassionate, and charitable nature.
Order DNA origin analysisGreisl: Where does the name Greisl come from?
The last name Greisl is of German origin and is primarily found in Germany and Austria, as well as other parts of Central Europe. It is also found in the United States, where it has been established since the 1800s, with clusters of families in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Texas and New York.
The surname Greisl most likely derives from the German word “grau” meaning grey, and its variants “graiss” and “greiss.” It is a descriptive surname given to those having grey hair or other features which resembled the color.
The Greisl name was popular in Bavaria, where immigrants began arriving in the United States in the late nineteenth century. It is unknown how many emigrated today however, the name is primarily associated with Germany and Austria, with families in well-known cities and areas such as Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Geneva.
Today, Greisl can be predominantly found in Wisconsin, Nebraska, Texas, New York, and other parts of the United States.
The Greisl name is a very old one, and it is known for its many prominent members. Some famous figures with the name include French philosopher and mystic Simone Weil, German artist and weaver Johanna Greisl, World War I pilot Hugo Greisl, and German diplomats and statesmen Christoff Greisl.
Variations of the surname Greisl
The surname Greisl is an old German/East European name believed to have originated in the Elsass region of France. It is also found in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, primarily around the Black Sea region. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Grais, Greis, Gries, Griesel, Griesell, Grieslinger, Griesl, and Griesluch.
The origin of the surname Greisl is unknown, but it could be derived from the Middle Low German 'greis', meaning grey or white. It may also be related to the Germanic word ‘grios’, meaning grain or corn, or the Latin word ‘griseus’, meaning grey. It could also be derived from a place name in the Elsass region, possibly derived from the Latin word 'grevelia', meaning a grove of trees, or from the Latin word 'grevatus', meaning high or noble.
In some cases, the surname Greisl may have evolved into the spellings Grais and Greis. In German records, the name is found as Greisel, Griesel, and Griesl. In Poland, the name is found as Gries. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the surname is found as Grieseller and Grieseluch.
The Greisl surname is still common today. The American spelling of the name is usually Greis, Greisel, or Greisling. In Canada, Greysling and Gresl are also found. Greisel, Groisel, and Graisel are found in France, and Gressier is often found in Switzerland. In the United Kingdom, the Greis family is more common in Scotland. Greis and Gresl are also found in Austria and Hungary, respectively.
Famous people with the name Greisl
- Paul Greisl (professional soccer player)
- Hans Greisl (Austrian alpine skier and cross-country skier)
- Alois Greisl (Austrian alpine skier)
- Max Greisl (Austrian modern pentathlete)
- Mario Greisl (Austrian ski jumper and cross-country skier)
- Willie Greisl (Austrian-American alpine skier)
- Erich Greisl (German-Austrian table tennis player)
- Jerry Greisl (Austrian alpine skier)
- Emil Greisl (Austrian ski jumper)
- Vojtěch Greisl (Czech water polo player)
- John Greisl (American football player)
- Maria Greisl (Austrian luger)
- David Greisl (Austrian alpine skier)
- Joseph Greisl (Austrian alpine skier)
- Tomas Greisl (Czech-born Slovak speed skater)
- Evgeny Greisl (Russian bobsledder)
- Pat Greisl (American tennis player)
- Josef Greisl (German-Austrian ski jumper)
- Wilfried Greisl (German ski mountaineer)
- Christoph Greisl (Austrian ski mountaineer)