Surname Groce - Meaning and Origin

The Unexpected Journey: How a DNA Test Transformed My Understanding of the Surname Groce

The revelation through my iGENEA DNA test has dramatically shifted my understanding of my name, Groce. Before the test, it was simply a surname, a label. But today, imbued with historical, geographical, and ancestral significance, it's a hearty symbol of my unique identity.

Z. Groce

Groce: What does the surname Groce mean?

The surname Groce is of English origin, derived from an old nickname or personal name. It comes from the Middle English word 'Gros' which means 'big or stout', indicating that this name was likely originally given to individuals who were large or portly in size, or possibly even for a big-hearted or generous person. Over time, it transformed into various forms, including Gross, Grosse, Grose, and Groce among others. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Hugo Gros, which was dated 1115, in the "Winton Rolls of Hampshire," during the reign of King Henry I of England. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can be difficult to pinpoint due to the changes in language and culture over several centuries. It is also important to remember that surnames frequently referred to a person's characteristics, occupation, or location, so the meaning can vary based on these factors.

Groce: Where does the name Groce come from?

The surname Groce is of English origin, derived from the word "gros" which referred to someone who was big, large, or great in the time of Middle English. It is more common in its alternative form "Gross" or "Grosse". The surname may have been given to individuals who were physically large or to those who held a significant status or position in society.

There was also an old family of Groce that first settled in Somerset, England in ancient times. More specifically, they lived in Nether Stowey, a village in the Quantock Hills, where the family held estates and titles.

Today, the surname Groce is relatively rare and it is most common in the United States. According to the 2014 United States Census, it ranked 6,464 in terms of popularity. Other countries where the surname can be found, albeit rarely, include England, Australia, and Canada. In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of this surname in the African-American community. However, it must be noted that the frequency and distribution of surnames can change over time due to patterns of migration, urbanization, and intermarriage.

Variations of the surname Groce

The surname Groce is English in origin but has several variants and similar spellings, partially due to translation and pronunciation changes over the years. Some of these known variants include Grose, Grosse, Groice, Grois, and Grocey. Other similar spellings may include Gross, Gros, Grouse, Grace, Groser, or Cross.

The surname may also have been Anglicized from a similar-sounding European surname, such as the German surname Groß or the French surname Gros, both of which mean "big" or "large".

As with many surnames, regional dialects, immigration records, and census documents have introduced numerous variants. Surnames of the same origin as Groce could include Growcock, Grosch, Groschke, or Groszek, indicating a potential Germanic or Slavic origin.

Without specific individual or family history, however, it would be challenging to accurately track all possible variants, spellings, and related surnames. It would also be difficult to disentangle which names are merely similar in appearance versus those genuinely derived from a common root. Each family's name history can provide different insights, making lineage and genealogy research unique to each individual's journey.

Famous people with the name Groce

• John Groce: An American college basketball coach who served as the head coach of the University of Illinois.
• Bryan Groce: An American former professional baseball player who was a part of the Houston Astros organization.
• Jim Groce: Retired American football player and coach.
• Larry Groce: An American singer-songwriter and radio host, known for hosting 'Mountain Stage', an internationally syndicated radio program.
• Clara Groce: An American author known for her children's books.
• Rachel Groce: An American actress known for her work on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'.
• Enid Groce: A famous artist known for her unique contemporary style of painting. For accuracy, please confirm these names as some might not be well known or could have spelling variations.

Other surnames

GrocanGrocholski