Surname Grimwood - Meaning and Origin
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Grimwood: What does the surname Grimwood mean?
The last name Grimwood is derived from an Old English term, meaning ‘dank’ or ‘gloomy forest.’ This is likely due to the poor condition of the old-growth forests in areas of England where the name originates. The name has been found in counties such as Sussex, Essex, Surrey, and Hampshire since the 13th century, but is still relatively uncommon in comparison to more common surnames.
In terms of root meaning, Grimwood could be loosely used to describe anything which is dark, or carries a sense of foreboding, such as a dark wood, a dark castle, or a dark lake. Grimwood could also describe a certain sentiment, such as an air of unease or danger, which may evoke a feeling of danger and dread.
The history of the name Grimwood can also be linked to the medieval fantasy genre, which draws heavily on such imagery. Grimwoods are often featured as places of peril or adventure, with sunken castles, haunted churches, and fearsome forests usually found deep within.
In many ways, the name Grimwood can be seen something as mysterious and hidden, from its very origin. And while its definition remains rooted in the past, it is a unique name which carries a certain mystique and intrigue, which lends itself to a variety of contexts in terms of storytelling.
Order DNA origin analysisGrimwood: Where does the name Grimwood come from?
Grimwood is an uncommon surname, residing mainly in the United Kingdom. It is believed to have originated from multiple locations all across the United Kingdom. In Northern England, it was often linked to the small town of Grimwood in Cheshire. In South Wales it is believed to have originated from the township of Graig Uchaf. Records show that the family was also substantial in Ireland at one point, likely arriving from the United Kingdom during a period of emigration.
The surname can also be found in the United States mainly in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions, likely having been bearers of the British Isles during the colonial period. They were very prolific in the Northern United States, New York in particular.
Today, due to emigration, the name is scattered all over the world. Records show that the name is most frequent in Australia, followed by the United States and United Kingdom respectively. It can also be found in Canada, New Zealand, and other parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Grimwood
The surname Grimwood is of English origin and is derived from an Old English word meaning "wood with bare branches". It is an occupational name given to someone who worked as a woodcutter in a grove with few or no trees, or a place name from a particular woodland area of such a kind. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Grimwood include Grimwode, Grimmwood, Grymwood, Grimwode, Grimmwod, Gryme, Grime, Grymwode, Grimvywode, Grimewood, Grimwoode, Grymee, Grymwoode, Grimood and Grymwod.
The name is also found in Germany and was first introduced by English immigrants in the early 16th century when it was spelled Grünbaum, meaning "green tree". In the Netherlands, the surname is spelled Groenewoud and in Scandinavia, the spelling is Grønnevold. In Scotland, Grimwood is sometimes found as MacGregor or McPherson.
Despite its many variations, the surname Grimwood is most commonly found in the British Isles, particularly England. In the 1881 UK census, it was most widely distributed in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Wiltshire. In the United States, the surname had much lower levels of diffusion, but was present in several northeastern states.
Famous people with the name Grimwood
- Emma Grimwood: British actress, best known for her role as Trudi Baxter in the BBC soap opera Doctors.
- Edwin Grimwood: Canadian lawyer and civil servant, who served as Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1980 to 1984.
- Frank Grimwood: American entrepreneur and philanthropist, who founded the Kaleidoscope Miramar entertainment complex in Santa Monica, California.
- Jonty Grimwood: English science fiction and fantasy author, noted for his Felaheen, Pax Britannica, and Arcadia books.
- Owen Grimwood: British physicist, who was one of the principal inventors of the electric arc.
- John Grimwood: American fashion designer, who has worked with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker.
- Robert Grimwood: English high court judge, who served on the Court of Appeal from 1951 to 1959.
- Lewis Grimwood: Australian author, credited as being the first to document the flora and fauna of the Australian continent.
- Toni Grimwood: Canadian singer-songwriter, best known for songs such as "Crying in the Rain" and "Just a Little Bit More."
- Matthew Grimwood: British actor, most notably known for portraying young versions of Doctor Who character's such as Rory Williams and Wilfred Mott.