Surname Grimble - Meaning and Origin
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Grimble: What does the surname Grimble mean?
The last name Grimble is an English surname, likely derived from the Old Norse personal name Grimbald. This name is derived from two elements; ‘grim’ meaning ‘mask’ and ‘bald’ meaning ‘bold’. It likely refers to someone who was seen as being particularly daring or strong.
In ancient times the Grimble surname was used in a variety of forms. These forms included Grimbald, Grimball, Grimble, and Grumel. In the country of England, the family name is primarily found in the northern and eastern sections of the country, although secondarily it is found in other areas.
Today, the Grimble surname is mainly found in the United States. Here, it is primarily found in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia. These are states with predominantly African American populations.
Grimble is also a Scottish last name variant of the more common Grumble. This Grumble surname is thought to possibly be of Norse origin, coming from a diminutive form of the Old Norse personal name Grimkell.
Although it’s difficult to know exactly why a particular family assumed the last name Grimble, it is likely that it was given to a family member because of his strength or courage. Today, Grimble is a unique last name that is found primarily in the United States, especially in the states of the south.
Order DNA origin analysisGrimble: Where does the name Grimble come from?
The last name Grimble is most commonly found in the United Kingdom today, primarily in the southwestern part of England. It is especially common in the counties of Somerset, Dorset and Devon, where records of the family can be found as far back as the early 13th century. In recent years, the surnames spread into nearby counties such as Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and even Calais in departement du Pas-De-Calais, France.
The Grimbles have been a major landholding family for centuries and were prominent in numerous English counties. In the 17th-century, one branch of the family was amongst the wealthiest in the region. They played a role in the Civil War, supporting Parliamentarian forces; a number of Grimbles were even among the signatories of the surrender of Taunton Castle.
In more recent years, the Grimble family achieved prominence in British society when one of its members was appointed the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset in 2004. As the Queen’s representative, he has received a number of honours for his services to the county, such as the George Cross, the Order of the Bath and the Order of the British Empire.
Due to their long history in the UK, the Grimble surname is still quite common there, though it has spread to other countries, including the United States. There are currently thousands of people with this name living all over the world today.
Variations of the surname Grimble
The surname Grimble is derived from a geographical locality, in that it is a topographic name for someone who lived in a habitation near a ditch or a valley. It is also a variant spellings of the name Grumble.
Grimble is an Old English pre-7th century name, which comes from the Medieval English surname Grimmel, meaning "gravel". Other variants of the surname are Grumble, Grumel, Grummel, Grummell, Grimmell and Grymmel.
In Scotland, the surname Grimble developed in various forms including Grembill, Grumbill, Grimbill, Grimmill, Grimill, Griemble and Gremble, which all derive from the same Old English root words. In Ireland, forms of the surname Grimble include Grumley, Grumly, Grimbly, Grimbly, Grimlie and Grmley.
The surname is also found sporadically in Germany, where it is spelled as Grümbel. In France it is found as Grumbleau. In Spain the surname is spelled as Grimblas and in Italy as Grimboli.
In America forms such as Grumbell and Grumble have been recorded. Variants of the name are popular in many countries including Australia, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand.
In England, the earliest recorded mention of the Grimble surname in its various forms, was during the reign of King Edward the Confessor (1042-1066). Examples include Alexander Grembell who was mentioned in the records of the Castle of Clun in Shropshire, England in 1086 as well as Henry Grymmel and Alice Grumble who were recorded as being living in Yorkshire during the thirteenth century.
Famous people with the name Grimble
- Jeff Grimble: American actor known for roles in The Mindy Project, Catwoman, and The Jay Leno Show
- Arielle Kebbel: American actress and model known for roles in The Vampire Diaries, 90210, and Ballers
- Lisa Whelchel: American actress and author known for roles in Facts of Life and as a host on Survivor: Philippines
- David Grimble: Football player for the Birmingham City Football Club
- Jim Grimble: American businessman, philanthropist and political activist
- Sir Percy Savage Grimble: English soldier and Member of Parliament
- Dr. Beuttel M. Grimble: American neurologist, psychiatrist, and author
- Charles Grimble: Jamaican-American actor known for roles in films such as Belly, Clockwork Orange, and Freedom Writers
- Steve Grimble: English former professional footballer for clubs such as West Ham United and Leeds United
- Evelyn sparks Grimble: Educational innovator at the University of Michigan