Surname Greil - Meaning and Origin
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Greil: What does the surname Greil mean?
The last name Greil is derived from German (or possibly Dutch) roots, and refers to a person of distinguished or noble lineage. It originated as a status name for a person of noble or eminent birth. The literal meaning is “tower of strength” and it is closely related to the German word “graal” which translates literally as “the lord's men”.
Throughout history, Greil has been used as a masculine given name for a strong and dependable figure. It could also refer to a company’s founder or leader, and is often associated with impressive strength and confidence. It has also been used to refer to a serf's lord or overlord.
The last name Greil is still used widely throughout many countries in Europe and has been in the United States since the mid 1800s. In recent times the name has spread as many people move around the globe.
The German pronunciation of the name is GREEL and the Dutch translation is GREEL. Someone with the last name Greil could be a leader, a fighter, or an individual with strong morals. They can be known for having a strong moral compass, loyalty, and a tendency to persevere in difficult times.
Order DNA origin analysisGreil: Where does the name Greil come from?
The Greil surname originated in Austria and is used widely throughout that country today. It is also common in Bavaria and German-speaking parts of Switzerland. Greil is one of the top 40 surnames in Austria, with approximately 0.6% of the population having the name.
The name can be traced further north to Denmark, where records show that it first appeared around 1350. It is one of the 15 most frequently used surnames in the country.
The Greil surname can also be found in Belgium, New Zealand, and the Czech Republic. It has spread through recent immigration from Central Europe. The name is also heard in the United States, Canada, and parts of South America, with immigrants from Central Europe who took the name there in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Greil surname is arguably best known in the United States, where it has been used by notable entertainers, athletes, and politicians, including the well-known actor, Edward Norton. There has also been a Greil Marcus, who is an American author and historian.
The frequency of the Greil surname is hard to pinpoint, but it is widely used throughout Europe and parts of North and South America today. Those carrying the name can trace their roots to Central Europe and the countries that make up the present-day Austria.
Variations of the surname Greil
The surname Greil (sometimes spelled Graeyl, Græyl, Griel, Greal, Grell, or Grial) is of Germanic and English origin. It is believed that the word "greil" is derived from the Old English word "greoe" or "griet," which were used to describe a griever or mourner, derived from the Old High German "grêvâri" meaning "weeper."
The variants of the name Greil are Grele, Grielle, Graeyl, Grial, Graile, Greal, Grell, Griel, Greylle, Groll, Grayl, Graley, Grailey and Graeley.
An example of the earliest recorded use of the surname is that of Henry Greles in the Curia Regis Rolls of Buckinghamshire, which dates back to 1206. It is also found in records as Graeyl, Griel, and Grilly.
In early America, many variants of the name Greil were used, such as Grial, Grell, Graley, and Graeley. However, over time, the spelling of the surname became more standardized and today Greil is the most common spelling.
In Germany, the variants Greil, Graile, Greal, and Grele are all quite common. The Greil spelling is also quite popular in Scotland, where it is spelled Greylle.
This surname is still quite common in many parts of the world today, and the variants Græyl, Griel, Grial, Grell, Greal, Grailey and Graeley are also popular in various parts of the world.
Famous people with the name Greil
- Marcus Greil: author and professor known for his pioneering works on the history of culture and media.
- Gerald Greil: Bavarian writer, journalist and advocate for social reform.
- Albert Greil: Austrian poet, playwright, and art historian.
- Arthur Greil: Austrian philosopher, social scientist, theologian, and historian.
- Marisa Greil: Swiss writer and art historian.
- Rudolph Greil: German writer and publisher.
- Johann Greil: German priest and historian.
- Ignaz Greil: Austrian sculptor and art theorist.
- Michael Greil: Austrian actor, stage director, and drama teacher.
- Maria Greil: Austrian dancer and choreographer.
- Jean Greil: French painter and illustrator.
- Robert Greil: German writer, film director, and film producer.
- Ilka Greil: Austrian actress and singer.
- Michaela Greil: Austrian journalist, author, and feminist activist.
- Sandra Greil: Swiss bring worker and therapist.
- Rainer Greil: Austrian guitarist and musician.