Surname Grimsehl - Meaning and Origin

Grimsehl: What does the surname Grimsehl mean?

The last name Grimsehl is a German surname derived from Middle High German words “grîm” meaning “fierce” and “sêhe” which means “look”, typically implying a person with an intimidating stare. It is most commonly from the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany, but is also found in the northern parts of the country as well as elsewhere.

The Grimsehl family has a long and varied history. Records of a Grimsehl family stretch as far back as the 14th century, when a “Kunz Grimsel” was mentioned in documents from what is now the city of Coburg. By the 17th century, several branches of the family had spread west to the Palatinate and even further, with some settling as far away as the United States and South America.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Grimsehl family were noted entrepreneurs, engaging in activities such as weaving and merchant trading. Later, they were involved in politics, with some members becoming notable figures in the region’s governmental and political spheres.

The Grimsehl family has a distinctive set of values that they live by: they have an emphasis on perseverance and determination in their daily lives, and consider loyalty and family ties very important. They strive to maintain excellence in all their endeavors and commitments, and show deep care and consideration for their friends and family as well.

To this day, the Grimsehl name is still a proud and distinguished one in the Palatinate region. The Grimsehl family have managed to preserve their values and traditions throughout the centuries, while adapting to the changing times.

Grimsehl: Where does the name Grimsehl come from?

The last name Grimsehl is predominantly found in Germany today. It is classified as a family name among Germans with origins in the northern part of Germany. In German geography, the last name Grimsehl is most commonly associated with the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Today, the Grimsehl family is found mainly in towns and villages located in the northern part of Germany. Further, the Grimsehl name is present in some other parts of Europe, such as in Austria, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

The Grimsehl family originated from Hamburg, Germany, with some variations in the spelling of the last name. It is thought that a few members of the Grimsehl family may have migrated to the United States in the late 1800s. The Grimsehl last name also appears to be found in some parts of Canada, though not as commonly.

Historically, the Grimsehl name has been associated with a distinguished career in the military. Records confirm that several members of the Grimsehl family served in the German Imperial Army during World War I and World War II.

Today, there are many Grimsehls living in Schleswig-Holstein and other areas of Europe. It is likely that many more descendants of the original Grimsehl family have spread throughout the world in the centuries since their origin.

Variations of the surname Grimsehl

Grimsehl is an uncommon surname of German origin. It is sometimes spelled as Grimsel, Grimsahl, Grimshall, Grimsholm, Grimesal, Grimsholz, Grimmeshal, Grimholt or Grimshield. In some instances, Grimsehl can also be found spelled as Grimbald, Grimsdahl, Grimshawl, Grimsall, Grimeall or Grimsell.

In Low German and Frisian, the word ‘Grimsehl’ is related to ‘Grimels’ or ‘Grims’ and it means ‘small, insignificant’. This was likely a nickname for a short person or someone of low status. In some cases, the name appears to have been derived from the German phrase ‘Grimme Schl’, which translates to ‘grimly poised’, or ‘grimly unswayable’ and was likely used as a surname to indicate the characteristic of being determinedly stubborn.

Variant spellings of Grimsehl may have developed over time if the family moved to a different region and had difficulty writing or pronouncing the name. Different spellings may also have arisen if the family originated in an area with a different culture, language or dialect. It is also possible that some of the variants listed were adopted to sound less German during the period of anti-German sentiment after World War I.

Famous people with the name Grimsehl

• Klaus Grimsehl: German film and television actor.
• Jack Grimsehl: American professional golfer and golf course architect.
• Ulrike Grimsehl: German botanist and an authority on the genus Centaurea.
• Morton Grimsehl: American journalist, novelist, playwright and poet.
• Uwe Grimsehl: German volleyball coach.
• Ted Grimsehl: American goaltender in the National Hockey League.
• Paul Grimsehl: German Army officer and Wehrmacht General who fought during World War II.
• Michael Grimsehl: German banker, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
• C. L. Grimsehl: American architect, primarily in the Midwest in the early 20th century.
• August Grimsehl: German astronomer who specialized in celestial mechanics.

Other surnames

GrimselGrimsell