Surname Holtgrave - Meaning and Origin
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Holtgrave: What does the surname Holtgrave mean?
The last name Holtgrave is of English origin and is thought to be derived from the Old English terms "hoh", which means "spur of land", and "graf", which means "grove". This name refers to a person who lived near or owned land with a small wood. It was likely a topographic name given to someone who lived in or near hilly or wooded terrain.
The family who bore the name Holtgrave can be found in British records as early as the 13th century, when they were mentioned in various books and records of the English nobility. Over time, the family spread to other areas of Europe, including France, Germany, and Scandinavia, and eventually into North America.
Today, the surname Holtgrave is most commonly found in the United States, where it is particularly popular in the Midwest and southern United States. The name is associated with people who are hard-working and charitable. They are often thought of as good neighbors and responsible citizens who are generous and fair-minded.
Overall, the surname Holtgrave has a long and distinctive history, and has come to represent a strong sense of duty and honor. It is a reminder that the family who bore it has made contributions to society that continue to reverberate today.
Order DNA origin analysisHoltgrave: Where does the name Holtgrave come from?
The last name Holtgrave is not a particularly common name worldwide. The name appears to be originated in Germany, mainly in the region surrounding the city of Cologne in the Rhineland and in the area further to the west. It is a name of Germanic origin, derived from holz (wood) and graf (count). The last name is found most commonly in areas of Germanic settlement, such as Germany, the USA, Canada and Australia. In the United States, the name is most strongly represented in the Midwestern states, particularly Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Although the surname is not common among the general population, it is possible to find it among those with a connection to the abovementioned Midwestern states. Count von Holtgrave (a German-American who attended a college in Illinois) appears in the historical records of the early 20th century, and former Illinois congressman Allen C. Holtgrave was called "Early Horseman for U.S. Airpower" in 1970. Similarly, there are several businesses located in the Midwest with the name Holtgrave, indicating that the surname is currently in use.
From the information available, it appears that the last name Holtgrave is most common today in the Midwest region of the USA and in other areas of Germanic settlement. Although it is not widely spread, it is still found among those with connections to this region of the country. Today, the name remains linked to the history and influence of German immigrants in the United States.
Variations of the surname Holtgrave
Holtgrave is an English language surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English words holt (‘wood, copse’) and grāf (‘grove’), thus it literally means ‘wooded grove’ or ‘bright grove’.
Holtgrave is spelled in various ways, such as Holtgrave, Holgrave, Holthgrave, Holthgraves, Holtegrave, Holthgrafe, and Holtsgrave. Common variants that have evolved over time include Holtegraf, Hultsgrave, Holtgraves, Houltgrave, Haultsgrave, and Hultegraves.
Surnames with similar origins, and thought to be related to Holtgrave, include Holdgrave, Holcorn, Holgraves, Halgrave, Haltegrave, Haltergrave, Haltergraf, Haltgrave, Hoaldgrave, and Holdgrass.
Finally, Holtgrave is found in many parts of the world, with spellings adapted to local languages. In Belgium, for example, it has been spelled Holdtgrave in Flemish and Holthiegrave in French. In Germany, it has become Holtzgrave, while it is known as Houldgrave in the Netherlands. In Scotland and Ireland, variant spellings such as McHoltegrave, McColtegrave, Wilsgrave, and Pasgrave have been recorded.
Famous people with the name Holtgrave
- Dave Holtgrave: Former NFL running back for the Denver Broncos. He was a two sport athlete at Michigan State, and was also an All-American in track & field.
- Derek Holtgrave: Two-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Purdue, and now head coach of the Northsiders Junior Championship wrestling team in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
- Dorinda Holtgrave: Oldest daughter of Dave Holtgrave, and an All-American gymnast at the University of Michigan. She was a member of the 1996 U.S. Women's Olympic Team.
- Emmett Holtgrave: Former NFL tight end for the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Oilers.
- Jonathan Holtgrave: Former NFL tight end for the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders. He is the father of Dave Holtgrave.
- Michael Holtgrave: Professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He played college basketball at Butler University.
- Zack Holtgrave: Former NFL safety for the Detroit Lions. He was an All-State selection in high school, and also played baseball briefly at the University of South Carolina.