Surname Gruening - Meaning and Origin

Gruening: What does the surname Gruening mean?

The last name Gruening originates from Germany, where it is derived from the German words “Gruen” meaning green and “ingen” meaning of or from, together creating the name Gruening. The surname is thought to have referred to someone who lived near a green area or a green farm.

The Gruening family can trace its roots to as early as the 1780s, with many Gruening families living throughout Germany, and some families migrating to the United States in the mid-1800s. As emigrants, they mainly settled in Wisconsin, Texas, New York and other states.

Many members of the Gruening family are professionals such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers and more. In addition, several Gruening members are prominent in politics, such as law firm executive Donald Gruening, former mayor of Honolulu Frank F. Gruening, and Senator Ernest Gruening, who became known for his advocacy of Alaska statehood.

Overall, the Gruening family is a proud one and is rooted in German heritage. Its members come from a wide variety of professions, places and backgrounds, but all of them are united in their commitment to forging a better future.

Gruening: Where does the name Gruening come from?

The last name Gruening is most heavily concentrated in Germany as well as some other nearby countries in Europe. It is a relatively common name in Germany, accounting for around 8,171 individuals with the last name, making it the 43rd most common last name in the country according to Ancestry.com.

Gruening is especially common in the countries of Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as well as Germany, all with around 1,000 to 8,000 individuals sharing the name. Other countries from which a sizeable amount of people with the name can be found are Switzerland, Hungary, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, and even the United States.

The first recorded spelling of the Gruening last name dates back to the 13th century in the region around what is now Hamburg Germany. The name is likely derived from the old High German “Gruonio,” and refers to a person that has characteristics of or resemblances to an animal such as a “wolf” or a “cunning one.”

Today, the last name continues to be quite popular in Europe and those who are descended from the Gruenings who travelled to other countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Gruening

The surname Gruening may have several variants and spellings, as well as being used as a given name in some languages.

Variants of Gruening can include Grüning, Grueening, Gruenning, Crüning, and Gruning. Some variants of the surname may have an umlaut over the letter "u", or an addition of an extra "e" at the end.

Gruening may also be found as a given name in Germany or the Netherlands, often spelled as Groning or Gruning. In Danish, Gruening can also be used as a given name, with variations such as Gruning and Jaeger.

Surnames of similar origin to Gruening include Greunig, Grening, Groenig, Groening, Groeninger, Greuninck, Grimes, Greunke, Greinig, Grueninger, Grininger, Grune, and Grunewald.

Many of these names have originated in German speaking countries such as Austria, Germany, and parts of Switzerland. It is believed that the roots of these surnames lies in the Middle High German word ‘grüenen’ meaning ‘to grow’ or ‘to cultivate’.

Famous people with the name Gruening

• Ernest Gruening: Ernest Gruening was an American newspaper editor, politician, and the first territorial governor of Alaska. He was a consistent advocate for progressive causes and civil liberties throughout his career, and opposed the Vietnam War, poverty, and nuclear energy proliferation.
• Daniel Gruening: Daniel Gruening was an educator, broadcast journalist, and peace advocate who served on the Philadelphia City Council from 1972 to 1976. He was strongly opposed to the Vietnam War and exploited his media platform to spread his message of peace to the people.
• Ernest Gruening Jr.: Ernest Gruening Jr. was a diplomat, World War II veteran, and a public servant who served on the Alaska House of Representatives. He was passionate about protecting Alaska's natural resources and preserving its unique culture.
• Oskar Gruening: Oskar Gruening was an economist, professor, and advocate for progressive reform in Europe. He worked as co-editor for the journal Volkswirtschaft and published many groundbreaking pieces on economic policy.
• Richard Gruening: Richard Gruening was an attorney and World War II veteran who was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives. He later served in the Senate and became a powerful ally of Alaska's Native peoples.
• Robert Gruening: Robert Gruening was an aircraft pilot, banker, and the sixth governor of Alaska. He spearheaded significant reforms in Alaska's banking industry and advocated for financial literacy among Alaskans.
• Jean Gruening: Jean Gruening was an artist, environmentalist, and the wife of Ernest Gruening. She supported her husband's political endeavors and made significant contributions to Botany and Native American cultures through her artwork.

Other surnames

GruenigGrueningerGruenitz