Surname Grelle - Meaning and Origin
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Grelle: What does the surname Grelle mean?
The last name Grelle is of French origin, deriving from the term "grelot" meaning "bell". In older times, Grelle was likely an occupational name as it was thought to reference those who worked in bellmaking or a similar profession. It was also associated with early churches, as bells were often used to call people to services — or toll mournfully for funerals.
In today's world, Grelle is a popular last name in Southwestern France. In line with its original meaning, the term grelle is still used to indicate a cheerful and lively disposition.
The coat of arms for those who bear the Grelle family name features a quartered shield, formed of a split between gold and blue. In each quarter of the shield is a five-pointed, silver starred crown. The crest, which crowns the shield, is of a black, crowing rooster. This equates to the gregarious, prideful and devoted character of those with the last name Grelle.
In some parts of the world, particularly in the southern United States, the last name Grelle may also be of Germanic origin, deriving from the term "Greller" meaning "cryer". It may also have been used to describe those who held positions such as public criers or heralds.
People with the last name Grelle are proud of their heritage, and are known for being loving and loyal to friends, family and even complete strangers.
Order DNA origin analysisGrelle: Where does the name Grelle come from?
The last name Grelle is most commonly found today in France and the French-speaking parts of Switzerland. It is believed the family originates from Normandy and Brittany, two regions of Northwestern France. The surname first appears as far back as the thirteenth century in the region and likely comes from a nickname associated with a place of origin.
The majority of those with the name Grelle in the present day live in France, with over 3,000 people sharing the surname, mainly concentrated in the departements of Ille-et-Vilaine and Loire-Atlantique. It is also to be found in other European countries, particularly Belgium and Luxembourg, but also in certain parts of Germany, Portugal, Italy, and Spain. Furthermore, the French-speaking parts of Switzerland has a significant population of Grelles, especially in the canton of Geneva.
In the United States, the name Grelle is rarer. However, it is slowly growing in popularity, likely due to immigrants from French-speaking countries, and can be found in all parts of the USA, anywhere from California to Massachusetts. The number of Grelles in the US is still fairly low but is growing every year.
Variations of the surname Grelle
The surname Grelle can be spelled in various ways such as Grell, Greil, Grehl, Grehel, and Grehle. It origins from the Germanic personal name ‘Girwealh’, which means ‘Spear’.
Grelle families are quite common in the Southern part of the Rhine River, especially in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany. The name is derived from the Old Germanic word “grella,” which means “spear” or “lance.”
In addition to the variations of spelling, Grelle is also a common surname in France, where its spelling variations include Grellard, Greillier, Greillot, Greilliard, Grehier, and Gréaille.
It is also quite common in Austria, where it is spelled Grehler, Grehla, Grehling, Grehl, Grell, and Grell. The Austrian variant of the Grelle surname originated from a medieval Germanic personal name, which likely was derived from the Old Germanic word grella meaning ‘spear’ or ‘lance’.
In addition to these surnames, Grelle families can also be found in other western European countries. These countries include Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg and their respective regional dialects. In addition, there are also variants of the surname in East Europe which include Grechin, Grechun, Grzechu, and Grelynn.
In total, there are more than thirty variants of the surname Grelle from different countries and dialects, all of which are derived from a single origin.
Famous people with the name Grelle
- Tyler Grelle: Actor
- Susie Grelle: Actress
- Ryan Grelle: Voice Actor
- Tim Grelle: Art Director
- Chantal Grelle: Voice Actress
- Laurette Grelle: Fashion Designer
- James Grelle: Theater and Film Actor
- Alicia Grelle: Author
- Julie Grelle: Editor and Publishing Executive
- Pierre Grelle: Painter and Sculptor
- Meghan Grelle: Children’s Book Author
- Peter J. Grelle: Writer, Director, and Producing Partner
- Douglas Grelle: Voice Actor and Voice Director
- Eric Grelle: Screenwriter and Film Producer
- Dave Grelle: Television Producer and Director
- Kevin Grelle: Actor, Singer, and Comedian
- M.C. Grelle: Animator
- Jane Grelle: Art Curator
- Cynthia Grelle: Actress
- Luis Grelle: Actor, Musician, and Record Producer