First found in East Prussia, where the name came from humble beginnings but gained a significant reputation for its contribution to the emerging mediaeval society. It later became more prominent as numerous branches of the same house acquired distant estates, some of which were located in other countries. Through the acquisition of these estates as well as their important contributions to society, the family successfully elevated their social status. They were originally seated in Courland and Livonia in the 13th century.

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Herman Groethausen, who came to American in 1710, where he lived at Springfield Manor, Germantown, PA; Friedrich Wilh. Von Grothausen, one of the Hessian troops on record in America in 1767.

For more information on the last name Greathouse, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.