Surname Grinnell - Meaning and Origin

Grinnell: What does the surname Grinnell mean?

The surname Grinnell is of English origin and is believed to derive from two old English words, "grenian" which means to grin or snarl, and "hyll" which means hill. Therefore, it is often interpreted as 'the dweller at a snarled or rugged hill'. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it is based on a place name. The name is believed to be first found in Gloucestershire, England. Notably, Josiah Bushnell Grinnell, whom the city of Grinnell in Iowa, USA, is named after, helped to shape American history in the late 19th century by promoting westward expansion. The Grinnell family was also among the early settlers of North America in the 1600s, particularly in Rhode Island. Another common variation of this surname is Grimhill. While less common today, the name Grinnell carries nuances of history and geographical significance.

Grinnell: Where does the name Grinnell come from?

The last name Grinnell is of English origins. It originally came from a place called Grenville in Normandy, which was before the Norse invasion. The name is thought to have been transformed from Grenville to Grinnell when carried over to England during the Norman conquest in the 11th century.

The Grinnell name was historically prominent among the upper classes in the Manor of Bideford in Devon, England, where the family held a family seat from very early times. Over the centuries, family members spread throughout England and to other English-speaking countries. It was taken to North America by settlers during the 17th century.

Today, the last name Grinnell is most common in the United States, where there are over 4,000 people with this surname according to recent census data. There is also a significant number of people with the Grinnell surname in Canada, England, and Australia, but fewer in number than in the U.S. The city of Grinnell in Iowa, U.S., was named after Josiah Bushnell Grinnell, a chaplain, abolitionist, Congressman, and founder of Grinnell College.

Variations of the surname Grinnell

The surname Grinnell is believed to be of French origin, derived from the Old French personal name Grinold or Grinolt. The name saw a shift in spelling and pronunciation once it made its way to Britain and America in different periods of migration. Some variants and spellings of Grinnell could include Grinell, Grinoll, Grinnoll, and Grinnel. Apart from these, the surnames Gurnell, Gurnall, Gurnal, Gernell, and Grenell might possibly be related, considering how names often changed spelling over time and location. However, it's important to perform comprehensive genealogical research to confirm these derivations, as surnames can also derive from geographical locations, occupations, and nicknames.

Famous people with the name Grinnell

• George Bird Grinnell: founder of the Audubon Society and an early conservationist
• Joseph Grinnell: American zoologist and naturalist
• Elizabeth Gaskell Grinnell: American painter of the abolition and suffrage movements
• Charles Grinnell: American artist, philanthropist, and collector of Native American artifacts
• Amy Grinnell: American editor, author, and comedic actress
• William Grinnell: American soldier, educator, and philanthropist
• Milton Grinnell: American general and longtime mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts
• George Grinnell: American naturalist, author, and mountain climber
• Sheldon Grinnell: American military officer and US Senator from Massachusetts
• Sidney Grinnell: American lawyer and politician from New York

Other surnames

Grinnel