Groese History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany

Etymology of Groese

What does the name Groese mean?

The history of the Groese family name begins in the German province of Bavaria. Groese is a nickname surname, a class of German names derived from eke-names, or added names, that described people by a personal characteristic or other attribute. Groese is a name for a large person. This family name is derived from the German word gross, indicating prodigious size.

Early Origins of the Groese family

The surname Groese was first found in Bavaria, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that turbulent region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System and the nation. Guenther Gross, founder of the Bavarian line von Trockau, appeared as early as 1097, when he fought under Gottfried von Bouillon against the infidels; after his period of service he settled in Franconia.

Early History of the Groese family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Groese research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1501 and 1783 are included under the topic Early Groese History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Groese Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Groese include Gross, Grose, Groes, Grosse, Groess, Groesse and many more.

Early Notables of the Groese family

More information is included under the topic Early Groese Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Groese family

German settlers were among the most common to come to North America between the mid-17th and mid-20th centuries. Poverty and religious persecution drove many Bavarians to make this long trek. tenant farmers were also enticed by the prospect of owning land. From east to west, these German immigrants populated the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Ontario and the prairie provinces of Canada also provided homes to many. Early settlers bearing the Groese surname or a spelling variation of the name include: Michael Gross, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1732; one of the first of many bearers of the Gross surname to come to America; William Gross, his wife and two children came to either England or America in 1709. Andreas Gross came to Philadelphia in 1736.