Surname Greathead - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Greathead: What does the surname Greathead mean?
The last name Greathead is derived from the Middle English adjective "Grethe," which means large, great, or grand. This surname is of English origin.
The Greathead surname likely started out as a nickname given to a person with some very big physical feature or qualities. It may also have been a topographical name for someone who lived near a prominent feature such as a hill, stream, mountain, or other geographic feature with a great or large head.
In some cases, the Greathead surname could have been used to distinguish members of a family or community. In early years, people were identified by their occupations, area of residence, or a physical characteristic. Therefore,Greathead could have been used to refer to an individual whose physical characteristic stood out from the crowd or who exhibited noteworthy characteristics, such as an exceptionally large head.
The Greathead surname is now fairly uncommon and found mainly in England and Scotland, with some families having migrated to the United States. It is also common in South Africa and Australia.
The name Greathead carries a strong, perhaps even regal, connotation of great physical traits, strength, or grandeur. It is a name that is firmly rooted in the history and culture of English and Scottish descent. It was likely given by those who admired the person’s grand character and ambitions.
Order DNA origin analysisGreathead: Where does the name Greathead come from?
The last name Greathead is of English origin and is believed to have first popped up in the early 16th century. Today, Greathead is a relatively uncommon name in most areas around the world.
The highest concentration of Greathead family names has historically been in England, where records of the name can be traced as far back as the 1500’s. In more recent times, the surname Greathead has seen its largest presence in the US. According to the Social Security Administration, there were approximately 33 people with this last name living in the US in 2019.
Traditionally, the last name Greathead is associated with the regions of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire in England. There are also Greathead families living in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
While not an especially common surname today, the Greathead name proudly weaves its way through the tapestry of history – further cementing its place in the annals of time.
Variations of the surname Greathead
The surname Greathead is a patronymic name originating from the Middle English and Old English word 'grete’ meaning ‘great’. It is a well-known English surname derived from the nickname ‘the Greathead’ or ‘Greth’. The variants of Greathead include Greathed, Greathead, Grethed, Gretheed, Greade, Greet, Gresshead, Grethe, Grethead, Gretheed, Grete, Grethet, Grether, Grett, Gretted, Gretted, Grate, Great, Greatd, Greates, Greathed, Greathede, Greatheade, Greth, Grethd, Grethde, Gretht, Grether, Grethhed, Grethhead, Grethhede, Gretht, Greethed, Griffett, Gryffit, Gryth and Grythed.
The surnames Grethe and Greet are anglicised versions of the Dutch and German surname 'Grietje', derived from the popular feminine name Griet. The surname Gresshead may be a combination of the Old English pre 7th century 'gris' meaning 'pig' and 'heafod', meaning 'head' consequently, 'Gresshead' translates as 'head of the pigs'.
Surnames derived from the same origin can also be found in various forms around the world, these include Gratze in Germany; Grzesiuk in Poland; and Grazioso in Italy.
Greathead is an ancient and established surname which has numerous medieval references to its name. The various spellings and multiple origin points of the surname show its spread throughout the British Isles and the wider world.
Famous people with the name Greathead
- Joanna Greathead: British architect and urbanist originally from Scotland
- Kenneth Greathead: South African medical doctor and clinical researcher
- Jodie Greathead: English actress who has had roles in television and film
- Nick Greathead: American Professional Wakeboarder
- Kezia Greathead: New Zealand musician and composer
- Rupert Greathead: British Astrophysicist
- Aneeya Greathead: Indian sociologist and author
- Max Greathead: Australian professional tennis player
- Alastair Greathead: British WWII veteran and recipient of the Victoria Cross
- Emma Greathead: Swedish Olympic synchronised swimmer