Surname Griga - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Griga: What does the surname Griga mean?
The last name Griga is derived from the Slavic word ‘griga’, meaning ‘old’ or ‘ancient’. It is believed that the surname was initially derived from the nickname of an ancestor with an aged appearance, which was passed down from one generation to the next.
The Griga surname is most commonly found in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine. The first mention of the Griga surname was in Poland in the 15th century, where it was used to describe a family who are descended from an ancient bloodline.
The Griga family name is quite rare. There are only a few mentions of it in records throughout history, and many people who bear the name are believed to descend from the same origin. The Griga name has proved to be an enduring one, as many families that still bear the name today can trace their ancestral roots back centuries.
Given the origin of the surname, it is often held in high regard by families who possess it. Bearing such an ancient name gives a sense of pride and appreciation for the ancestry that those who bear it have inherited. Members of the Griga family might feel a particular sense of belonging to a lineage which is rooted in history, and that their family holds a place in a much larger picture of the past.
Order DNA origin analysisGriga: Where does the name Griga come from?
The last name Griga is most commonly found today in Central and Eastern Europe. It is associated most closely with Lithuanian, Polish, and Slovakian heritage, but there are also Griga families in the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Serbia, as well as other countries across the region. It is one of the most widespread Lithuanian surnames, and is particularly popular in the region around Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
Spelling variations on Griga include Grigas, Grygas, Grygus, and Grygol, all of which can be found across the region. Beyond Europe, some families moved to the United States and Canada during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, individuals with the last name Griga can be found across all parts of the US and Canada, especially in cities with a high concentration of Central and Eastern European heritage.
The origin of the name Griga is believed to be connected to Latin term grigius, which means grey and can point to the colour of the clothing or hair of the families’ ancestors. However, the name could also be linked to an ancient Slavic word meaning ‘hard’, which suggests that the Griga ancestors were known for their strength and perseverance.
Variations of the surname Griga
The surname Griga has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Greig, Grieve, Grieg, Gregg, Grew, Greig, Greg, Gregoire, Grigoro and Grigoroff.
The surname Griga is a patronymic name derived from the given name Gregory, which originated from the Latin name 'Gregorius'. This name was created from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘greg’ which means ‘watch’ or guard’, which could have denoted a person who was appointed as a guard or messenger.
Greig is a variation of the surname Griga and its origin comes from Scotland. This spelling is found mainly in Northumbria, Scotland and Ireland. Greig is very similar to the spelling Greg, which is a shorter form of the original name Gregoire found in France.
Grieve is another spelling variant coming from Scotland, where it had its origins in Old English, which was used in the Middle Ages. This spelling was used in Dundee, where it was changed from the original spelling of "greve".
Grieg is a variation from Scotland and it derived from the Scandinavian form of Gregory. It is uncommon as a surname today but was common amongst the Vikings who settled in Scotland in the Middle Ages.
Gregg is a variation which was used mainly in Scotland and Ireland. This variation was changed from Gregoire and it is very common amongst Irish naming traditions.
Grew is a variation which derived from Old English and was used in Middle Ages Scotland as a nickname for Gregory.
Gregoire is a variation that was found mainly in France and it derived from the Latin for Gregory.
Greg is a shortened version of Gregoire which was found mainly in England and Scotland.
Grigoro is a variation that comes from Russia and Eastern Europe, where it originated from the Greek name Gregory.
Lastly, Grigoroff is a variation which comes from Russia and Eastern Europe, where it originated from the Greek name Gregory.
Famous people with the name Griga
- John Griga: Former Chief of Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of Oracle Corporation in the USA
- Helen Griga: Czechoslovakian Communist politician and Minister of Finance in 1946
- Michal Griga: Slovak soccer player who has played for FK Inter Bratislava, FC Nitra, Zlaté Moravce, and Žilina
- Rudolf Griga: A Slovakian physicist and university professor at Comenius University in Bratislava
- Mária Griga: Slovak athlete and winner of the 5th prize in the long jump at the 1962 European Athletics Championships
- Elise Griga: Austrian soprano opera vocalist who has toured with the Salzburg Festival and other renowned opera houses
- Zdenko Griga: Slovenian football goalkeeper who has played for Domžale, Maribor NK, and Radomlje
- Pavol Griga: Slovak boxer who won the light flyweight gold medal at the 1962 European Championship
- Peter Griga: Slovakian painter and graphic artist
- Viktor Griga: Czech librarian and collector of musical instruments