Greaves Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Greaves Name Meaning: A topographic name from old English 'graefe',meaning 'grove','brushwood' or a dense growth of bushes.

The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin.Topographical names were among the earliest created,as features in the 'landscape' provided easliy recognisable names.

Discover how your Greaves ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Greaves Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Greaves family

Profession Census Frequency
Female Servant 152
Independent 149
Agricultural Labourer 131
Farmer 109
Cotton Weaver 71
Weaver 65
Labourer 47
Male Servant 39
Cotton Piecer 38
Dress Maker 26
Frame Work Knitter 26
Shoe Maker 24
Woollen Weaver 24
Cotton Spinner 23
Publican 22
Clothier 21
Butcher 19
Coal Miner 16
Apprentice 16
Silk Weaver 15
File Maker 15
Grocer 14
Tailor 13
Joiner 13
Independant 12

Greaves Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Greaves 100% 61,638
2 Groves 71% 55,517
3 Graves 86% 34,701
4 Grieves 71% 4,346
5 Greeves 86% 3,658
6 Greves 86% 2,031
7 Gervis 57% 1,055
8 Garvis 43% 704
9 Grooves 71% 535
10 Grives 71% 450
11 Greives 86% 269
12 Gravis 71% 191
13 Gervase 43% 163
14 Garves 57% 154

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The surname Greaves is the most popular version of all its varients

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