The surname Griselin is a name of ancient French origin. It was a Breton name given to a person with gray hair. The name Griselin is derived from the Old French word "gris," which means "gray," and was often given to someone with gray hair.
Loading...
Early Origins of the Griselin family
The surname Griselin was first found in Brittany where this distinguished family held a family seat at Motte, and were prominent members of the aristocracy.
Loading...
Early History of the Griselin family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Griselin research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1789 is included under the topic Early Griselin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Griselin Spelling Variations
History has changed the spelling of most surnames. During the early development of the French language in the Middle Ages, a person gave his version of his name, phonetically, to a scribe, a priest, or a recorder. Some variables were adopted by different branches of the family name. Hence, there spelling variations of the name Griselin, some of which include Gris, Griss, Grix, LeGris, Legris, Legriss and many more.
Loading...
Early Notables of the Griselin family
More information is included under the topic Early Griselin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Loading...
Migration of the Griselin family
By 1643 there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Since immigration was slow, early marriage was desperately encouraged amongst the immigrants. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. 15,000 explorers left Montreal in the late 17th and 18th centuries. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the Acadian presence in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island had reached 500. In 1755, 10,000 French Acadians refused to take an oath of allegiance to England and were deported to Louisiana. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The distinguished family name Griselin has made significant contributions to the culture, arts, sciences and religion of France and New France. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Griselin were Adrien Legris (1686), Jean Legris (1692 Lépine), and Denis Legris (1728) all arrived in Quebec from Ile-de-France.
France
