Surname Grant - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Complexity of the Grant Heritage: A Personal Exploration Through iGENEA DNA Testing

The fascination with genealogy led me to undertake an iGENEA DNA test, altering my perspective on the Grant family history. Instead of a purely Scottish heritage, I discovered ties to ancient Celtic tribes and Western Europe, broadening our story to an international scale and embedding a greater sense of pride and respect for my family identity.

C. Grant

Grant: What does the surname Grant mean?

The surname Grant is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Old French word "graunt", meaning "tall" or "large". This nickname was given to those who were exceptionally tall or large, not only in terms of height, but also in terms of personality, importance, or character. It was first used as a surname in medieval Scotland, where families used to pass down the nickname from generation to generation. The name was typically given to someone of great stature or to someone who had performed a notable deed, thus being granted a significant honor or title. Thus, while the name may imply a physical attribute, it could just as likely point to a characteristic or accomplishment.

Grant: Where does the name Grant come from?

The surname Grant is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old French word "graunt" mean "tall" or "large." It is believed to have been a nickname for a tall person, which later evolved and became a surname. The name made its way to Scotland through the invasion of the Normans in the 11th century. The first known recording of the family name is shown to be that of Johan le Graunt, which was dated 1250, in the "Cartularium of Oseney Abbey", Oxfordshire, during the reign of King Henry III of England.

The Grant clan is one of the most famous Scottish clans, originating from the highlands and associated with lands in Strathspey, around the river Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. Their motto is "Stand Fast". Significant Grants have included Ulysses S. Grant, 18th president of the United States, and Alexander Grant who invented the digestive biscuit.

Today, the surname Grant is common in English-speaking countries including Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and England. It is most prevalent in the United States, with the highest density in Jamaica.

Variations of the surname Grant

The surname Grant is of French-Norman origin and believed to be derived from the Old French "graund," meaning "tall" or "large." The name came to Britain following the Norman Conclave in the 11th century. There are several known variations and spellings of the surname Grant, which include the following: Grand, Grande, Granter, and Grante. Le Grand is a French variant of the name.

In Ireland, where surnames were often anglicized, the Gaelic names Mag Fhionnaile (son of Fhionnghal) or Mac an Ghearráin (son of the short man), were often converted to Grant, even though these names have different origins from the Norman Grant.

The surname Grant has also been adopted by Jewish people as an anglicized form of various Jewish surnames. Regional and country-based variations might occur due to translation or local dialect influences. Surnames in different languages meaning "large" or "tall" might also be interchangeably used with Grant in various cultures.

Tracking spelling variations over time and region can be challenging as name spelling was not standardized until recent centuries, leading to many more possible variations of this surname.

Famous people with the name Grant

• Ulysses S. Grant: 18th President of the United States and general of the Union Army during the American Civil War.
• Cary Grant: British-American actor known for his roles in classics like "North by Northwest."
• Amy Grant: American singer-songwriter known for her Christian music.
• Richard E. Grant: British actor known for his roles in films like "Withnail & I."
• Hugh Grant: British actor known for his roles in romantic comedies like "Four Weddings and a Funeral."
• Lee Grant: American actress and film director.
• Eddie Grant: American professional baseball player.
• Horace Grant: Former American professional basketball player.
• Sara Grant: British children's book author.
• Natalie Grant: American singer-songwriter in the contemporary Christian genre.
• Grant Hill: Former professional basketball player.
• Faye Grant: American actress best known for her role in "V" a science fiction franchise.
• Robert Grant: British economist and author.
• Peter Grant: British music manager known for managing the rock band Led Zeppelin.
• Michael Grant: American author, primarily of young adult fiction.
• Lou Grant: Fictional character from the TV series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
• John P. Grant: Former Premier of Nova Scotia.

Other surnames

GranadeGranadosGranattGrandamGrandelGrandellGrandjeanGrandtnerGrangeGrangerGranhamGrannellGrannumGrannyGranowitterGrantamGranthamGrantner