The history of the Groess family name begins in the German province of Bavaria. Groess 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. Groess is a name for a large person. This family name is derived from the German word gross, indicating prodigious size.
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Early Origins of the Groess family
The surname Groess 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 Groess family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Groess research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1501 and 1783 are included under the topic Early Groess History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Groess Spelling Variations
In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Groess include Gross, Grose, Groes, Grosse, Groess, Groesse and many more.
Early Notables of the Groess family
More information is included under the topic Early Groess Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Groess family
European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Groesss to arrive in North America, and among them were: 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.
