The history of the Groesse family name begins in the German province of Bavaria. Groesse 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. Groesse 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 Groesse family
The surname Groesse 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 Groesse family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Groesse research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1501 and 1783 are included under the topic Early Groesse History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Groesse Spelling Variations
One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Groesse include Gross, Grose, Groes, Grosse, Groess, Groesse and many more.
Early Notables of the Groesse family
More information is included under the topic Early Groesse Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Groesse family
The great European flow of migration to North America, which began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century, was particularly attractive to those from Bavaria who wished to escape either poverty or religious persecution. For many Bavarian tenant farmers, the chance to own their own land was a major incentive. So the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlement centered in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Among those of this surname listed in various historical records 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.
