Greenawald Surname

Greenawald is a surname with a rich history and interesting origins. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of the Greenawald surname, as well as explore its distribution and prevalence in the United States.

Etymology and Meaning

The surname Greenawald is of English origin, derived from the Old English words “grene” meaning green, and “wald” meaning forest or woods. The name likely originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near or in a green forest.

Alternatively, Greenawald may have been an occupational surname for someone who worked in or owned a green forest or woodlands. In medieval England, forestry was an important industry, and those who managed forests or worked as foresters would have often been referred to by descriptive surnames like Greenawald.

Early Bearers

Early records of the Greenawald surname date back to the 18th century in England. One notable bearer of the surname was John Greenawald, who was recorded in the parish registers of St. Mary's Church in Essex in 1762.

Another early bearer of the surname was Mary Greenawald, who was listed in the 1790 census of Yorkshire. These early bearers of the Greenawald surname likely hailed from different regions of England, indicating that the name was not limited to a specific geographic area.

Migration to the United States

The Greenawald surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a significant incidence of 318 individuals bearing the name. The surname likely arrived in the United States during the mass migration of Europeans in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many immigrants from England, Scotland, and Ireland brought their surnames with them to the United States, where they were often anglicized or modified to suit American naming conventions. The Greenawald surname may have undergone such changes as it made its way to America.

Distribution in the United States

The Greenawald surname is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in regions with large populations of English and Irish immigrants. States like Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio have a higher concentration of individuals with the Greenawald surname.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has the highest incidence of the Greenawald surname in the United States, with a significant presence in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The surname likely has a long history in Pennsylvania, dating back to the early days of European settlement in the region.

New York

New York also has a notable population of individuals with the Greenawald surname, particularly in areas with a strong Irish immigrant community. The surname may have been brought to New York by Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine in the 19th century.

Ohio

Ohio has a smaller but still significant incidence of the Greenawald surname, with individuals bearing the name scattered throughout the state. The surname likely arrived in Ohio as part of the larger wave of European immigration to the Midwest in the 19th century.

Modern Significance

Today, the Greenawald surname continues to be passed down through generations of families in the United States. The name carries with it a sense of history and tradition, linking individuals to their ancestors who may have worked in the forestry industry or lived near green forests.

While the Greenawald surname may not be as common as some other surnames, it still holds significance for those who bear it. Whether as a connection to their English roots or a reminder of their family's history in the United States, the Greenawald surname remains an important part of many Americans' identities.

The surname Greenawald within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same occurs in the case of Greenawald, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname which can be found in most of the countries of this globe. In the same way you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Greenawald is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Greenawald surname

1. United States (318)