Surname Greifenstein - Meaning and Origin

Greifenstein: What does the surname Greifenstein mean?

The last name Greifenstein is a German surname derived from the place name Greifenstein. The origin of the name comes from the German words “greif” which means “grim” or “savage” and “stein” which means “stone”. Thus, the name Greifenstein can be translated to mean “grim stone” or “savage stone”.

The earliest known record of Greifenstein as a surname dates back to the 13th century when a man with the last name Greifenstein served as a witness in a family inheritance. The Greifenstein family is believed to have originated from Bavaria as they are mentioned in multiple local records throughout the region.

The Greifenstein name is still used today in Germany and other countries, however, there are very few of its former bearers living in the country today. Nevertheless, most of the current bearers of the name are still living in Bavaria or other regions of Germany.

In conclusion, Greifenstein is a German surname originating from a small place in Bavaria. The name holds a certain significance and sense of respect in Germany and is known to have been associated with many noble families throughout the ages. It is a proud name and represents strength and determination.

Greifenstein: Where does the name Greifenstein come from?

The last name Greifenstein is most common in Germany and Austria today, with high concentrations of the name found in both countries. Germans with the name account for around 0.003 percent of the country’s population, with the largest concentration located in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Greifenstein is also a relatively common surname in Austria, where it accounts for around 0.007 percent of the population. Here, the highest numbers of the surname are found in the states of Upper Austria and Lower Austria. The name’s origin is German, coming from the combination of the words ‘Greif’ for 'griffin' and ‘Stein’ for ‘stone’ - likely referring to a town or castle of the same name located near Biedenkopf in the mountainous German state of Hesse. Over time, the name is thought to have spread across Germany and Austria, leading to its current distribution within the two countries.

Variations of the surname Greifenstein

The surname Greifenstein is of German origin. It can be spelled in many different variations and there are several options for surnames of the same origin. Some of the variants and alternative spellings include Grieffenstahl, Greiffenstein, Greiffenstahl, Greifensteyn, Greiffenstine, and Grivenstein. However, the most common variation of the surname Greifenstein is Griefenstein.

Surnames that are related to Greifenstein include Griep, Grebenstein, Greppen, Grevenstein, Gribben, Grix, Grien, Grieffen, Grief and Grieben. These variations are all stemming from the original Greifenstein surname.

The Greifenstein surname could have also been derived from the town of Greifenstein, located in the rhein-d-warmen district of Germany. The town of Greifenstein is believed to be founded in the early 1000’s and means “castle of Griffons”. This could have lead to the development of the surname.

The Greifenstein surname can be found in Germany, Austria, the United States, Canada, and other parts of Europe. The meaning of the surname has been lost over time, but it is thought to have originated from a place name or from a nickname. It could have been derived from the German words “graifen” meaning “griffin” or “stein” meaning “stone.” Therefore, the literal meaning of the surname could be “griffin’s stone.”

No matter which way the surname is spelled, it is a unique and interesting name that has a long history of being associated with the Greifenstein family in Germany and Austria.

Famous people with the name Greifenstein

• Erwin Greifenstein (1893-1944): German World War I flying ace. He was credited with 13 aerial victories during the conflict.
• Caspar Greifenstein (1588-1627): German poet and philosopher. He wrote several books on religion and philosophy, and was one of the first German authors to employ the light template form of poetry.
• Harald Greifenstein (1917-1993): German soldier and General during World War II. He was one of the leading figures in the German invasion of Poland, and was captured after the war and was sentenced to twenty years in a labor camp.
• August Greifenstein (1782-1851): German chemist and mineralogist. He is recognized for his advancements in metallurgy and the mineralogy of iron.
• Guilherme Greifenstein (1895-1965): Brazilian classical musician and composer. He is best known for his works for piano and orchestra, which feature a combination of Brazilian rhythms and classical European elements.
• Maximilian Greifenstein (1899-1956): German film director and screenwriter. He wrote and directed over seventy films during his career, and wrote novels and plays as well.
• Johann Greifenstein (1712-1779): German Baroque composer. He wrote over one hundred works for the church, including over seventy cantatas and two Passions.
• Ulrich Greifenstein (1914-1977): German entrepreneur and philanthropist. He built a large fortune modernizing German industrial production and was a noted patron of the arts.
• Ferdinand Greifenstein (1794-1880): Austrian military officer. He served in the Napoleonic Wars and served as a General in the Austrian Army, and was later appointed as a senior commander of the Imperial House Guard.
• Herman Greifenstein (1876-1951): Austrian architect. He designed several notable buildings in Vienna and throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including some of the most famous Baroque churches.

Other surnames

Greifensteiner