Surname Gruenwald - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Gruenwald: What does the surname Gruenwald mean?
The last name Gruenwald is a German surname meaning “green forest” or “green field.” It is derived from the Middle High German word gruon, meaning “green,” and walt, meaning “forest” or “field.” It is an occupational surname, originally given to a person who worked or lived in an area filled with greenery, such as a farm or forest.
The Gruenwald surname is commonly found in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. It is also found among Ashkenazi Jews, as many German-speaking Jews were given German surnames as a result of various mandates during the 18th and 19th centuries. The spelling of the surname can vary slightly, and is sometimes seen with the spelling “Grünwald.”
The name Gruenwald is not particularly common, but there are a few notable people bearing the name. Martin Gruenwald, a research professor in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, is notable for his research in heart disease. Esther Grunwald is an Israeli campaigner for early detection of breast cancer. David Gruenwald, a 20th century American painter, is best known for his abstract expressionist works.
In summary, the surname Gruenwald is of German origin, denoting someone who worked or lived in an area surrounded by green fields or forests. It is mainly found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and among Ashkenazi Jews. Notable people bearing this surname include Martin Gruenwald, Esther Grunwald, and David Gruenwald.
Order DNA origin analysisGruenwald: Where does the name Gruenwald come from?
The last name Gruenwald is most common in Germany today, where it is ranked around 600 in the population. The name is also present across the German-speaking world including Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. Immigrants who arrived from Germany during the 19th century have spread the name into other countries. In the United States, Gruenwald is concentrated around Milwaukee, where German-speaking communities are present. There are also increasing number of families with this name in other parts of the country. In other locations abroad, Gruenwald is a rare and uncommon name. In the United Kingdom it is ranked around 4000, and in Israel around 6000.
The Gruenwald name likely derives from the Old Germanic first name “Grunwald” or “Grünwald” which means “green field” or “forest”. As patronymic surnames became widespread in the Middle Ages, the last name Gruenwald was born. As it has been adopted in many countries, the spelling of the name has changed. Variations include Grouenwald, Gronewald, Grunwald, Grimwald, Greensword, and Graenwald.
Variations of the surname Gruenwald
Gruenwald is a German surname derived from German words meaning “green woods.” It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a green wooded area or a habitation name for someone who lived in a house in said area. Aside from the standard spelling of Gruenwald, other variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Grounwald, Grauenwald, Grunewald, Grünau, Grunewauld, Grönwald, Grunwald, Grünwald, Grünewald, Grunwaldt, Grunwald, Grünwaldt, Gruenawald, Gruenwaldt, and Grunwalder. Various combinations of these spellings can also be found.
Gruenwald is generally found in Germany and the United States, while other variants such as Grunewald are common in Jewish families. Gruenwald is the most common version of the name in North America, and its history stretches back to at least the 19th century. Gruenwald is also a common surname in Israel, as many Jews emigrated there from Germany.
The spelling of Gruenwald is also found in a few other countries such as Austria, Poland, and Czech Republic. In some areas, it is also found as Grünewald, with the umlaut replacing the “e” in the translation.
Regardless of the spelling, Gruenwald is a relatively common German surname with a rich heritage and history. Its variant spellings or surnames of the same origin act as a reminder of the common German philology that roots them all.
Famous people with the name Gruenwald
- Marc Gruenwald: American comic book writer.
- Steven Gruenwald: former executive vice president of Marvel Comics.
- Bennett Gruenwald: American theater director and producer.
- Jan Gruenwald: German opera singer.
- Peter Gruenwald: American film and television producer/director.
- Peter Gruenwald Jr.: German television writer and producer.
- David Gruenwald: American surrealist painter.
- Joe Gruenwald: American illustrator and comic book artist.
- Al Gruenwald Jr.: American ceramic artist.
- Wolfgang Gruenwald: German actor and director.