Surname Grathwol - Meaning and Origin

Grathwol: What does the surname Grathwol mean?

The last name Grathwol is of German origin, derived from the term "graetwol" meaning "counted forest" or "titled forest" and likely referring to a controlled woodland estate. This name is quite rare and may refer to someone who owned a large, prestigious estate and was bestowed the title of Graetwol. It likely originated in the late Middle Ages or early modern period prior to the 19th century.

A marked feature of the German Grathwol surname is that it is an occupational name. This suggests that the family originally lived and worked on a large estate. While today the name is still quite uncommon, it has been used by members of the pre-WWI German military, aristocracy and politicians of the time.

The Grathwol surname represents power, nobility and leadership; qualities associated with aristocracy and landed gentry, along with a reverence for land ownership, agriculture and forestry. Those bearing the Grathwol surname were likely from families who managed their own estates, likely spanning generations.

Today, the Grathwol surname is still quite rare, although it is mostly found in Germany and the U.S. While the meaning of the surname remains the same, this generalized meaning of “counted forest” or “titled forest” helps connect families and their ancestors to a shared history and heritage.

Grathwol: Where does the name Grathwol come from?

The surname Grathwol is not particularly common today, but it is most commonly found in Germany, as well as in other parts of Europe including Austria, France, and Switzerland. The surname is also found in various other countries worldwide such as Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia.

The earliest records of the Grathwol surname date back more than 800 years to 12th century Germany. Since then the surname has spread throughout Europe and other parts of the world.

The Grathwol family is of Germanic origin, and its roots can be traced back to the ancient Saxon tribes. The name itself means 'the forest of trees', referencing the forested landscape of Germany. It may also refer to 'grath avatar',meaning 'green wood'.

Today, the surname Grathwol is found most commonly in its original homeland of Germany, as well as in other countries in Europe and throughout the world. Due to the dispersal of the surname, the frequency of the name has greatly decreased, and it is no longer seen as a particularly common name.

Variations of the surname Grathwol

The surname Grathwol has several variants and spellings in different countries. In some countries, it is often spelled as Grathol or Gratholl, while in others it is spelled as Grathwohl, Gratwohl, Grathwold or Grathold. In Germany, Grathwol is also sometimes seen as Gräthwöhl, Gröthwöhl, Gräthwold, Gräthold, Gröthold and Gröthwold.

In the United States, the surname Grathwol can also be seen as Grathwahl, Grathwall, Grathwalt, Grathwill, Grathwell, Grindle, Grindall, Grindel, Grindell, Grindle, Grintall, Grintel, Grintell, Gratel and Granthol.

Variations of Grathwol are found in many other countries. In Ireland, the surname is spelled Gratwell, Gratwall, Gratwol and Grettwell. In Scotland, Grathwol may be seen as Grathwall and Grathwell. In Norway, a variant of the surname is Grøthwol. In England, the name is found as Gratthol, Graithol and Gratthill.

In France, the surname Grathwol is spelled Grautwohl, Grautwoll, Grautwell, Grautwell, Grautwolt and Grautwall. In Sweden, it is spelled Gräthwohl, Gräthwell, Gräthwoll, Gräthwall and Grätholt.

In Finland, Grathwol is known as Kratvall and in Hungary it is seen as Gráthwol or Gráthwóll. Finally, in Latvia, the surname is generally seen as Grātvale or Grautval.

Famous people with the name Grathwol

• David Grafthwol, American actor
• Raymond Grafthwol, American painter
• Andrew Grafthwol, American poet
• Sarah Grafthwol, American singer
• Matthew Grafthwol, American musician
• Gerald Grafthwol, American actor
• Christopher Grafthwol, American composer
• Yvonne Grafthwol, American sculptor
• William Grafthwol, American writer
• Mary Grafthwol, American dancer
• Robert Grafthwol, American filmmaker
• Judith Grafthwol, American author
• Carolyn Grafthwol, American artist
• Rufus Grafthwol, American photographer
• Eleanor Grafthwol, American architect
• Rosalie Grafthwol, American lawyer
• Jacob Grafthwol, American author and journalist
• Rebecca Grafthwol, American dancer and choreographer
• Mark Grafthwol, American screenwriter
• Emma Grafthwol, American fashion designer

Other surnames

Grathwohl