Surname Degraf - Meaning and Origin
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Degraf: What does the surname Degraf mean?
Degraf is a rare last name of Dutch origin. Derived from the Middle Dutch phrase "de graff” meaning “at the count”, it was used to identify people who held a public office such as a magistrate or a bailiff. The word “graff” is derived from the Old French term "graver" which means “count”.
In the ancient Netherlands, a count (or graf) was a title given to a nobleman who served the crown and had jurisdiction over a certain area. The graf was responsible for administering the law, collecting taxes and maintaining peace within their district. As a result, a person with the last name Degraf likely had ties to a county official position or was related to someone holding the title.
This unique last name can still be found today mostly in the Netherlands and across parts of Europe. In modern times, Degraf is often associated with strong leadership characteristics and intelligence. Those bearing this uncommon surname are often considered independent, passionate and reliable. Those with the last name Degraf can take pride in the legacy and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Order DNA origin analysisDegraf: Where does the name Degraf come from?
The last name Degraf is commonly found throughout the Netherlands today, especially in the region surrounding Amsterdam, and is believed to have originated in the western Netherlands. Additionally, it has spread across Europe, particularly to Belgium, Germany, England, and the United States. It is believed that commercial activity is largely responsible for the spreading of the Degraf name throughout various European countries, as well as the US.
In the Netherlands, the surname is most commonly found in cities and towns such as Amsterdam, Haarlem, Laren, Den Haag, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and many others. Those who carry the surname of Degraf tend to be descendants of Dutch families who lived in the provinces of North Holland, South Holland, and Gelderland. It is believed that the origins of the Degraf surname date back to at least the early 16th century.
In the US, Degraf can be found in various states, such as Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Ohio. It is believed that there are currently around 800 individuals in the US who currently are known to carry the surname Degraf. Additionally, there are around 250 individuals in England and Wales, as well as around 150 individuals in Germany.
Overall, the surname of Degraf is still fairly common throughout Europe, the Netherlands, and the US, with a fairly large population of individuals still living in the region that carry the last name. Considering the number of individuals who carry Degraf is still quite strong in Europe, it can be assumed that this surname is likely to remain in the area in the future.
Variations of the surname Degraf
The surname Degraf has a variety of spellings and variants common to many other surnames. Some of the variants of Degraf include Degroff, Degrof, Degruve, Degrouse and DeGraff.
The surname Degraf is of Germanic origin, and it is derived from the Germanic word "graf," meaning "count," or "earl." This surname is mainly found in the Low Countries, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as some parts of Germany.
The spelling Degroff is a variant of the Germanic word graf, but is associated with Dutch and Belgian origin. This variant is often found in the Flemish region and is also found in the Netherlands and Germany.
The spelling Degrof is also of Dutch, Flemish and Belgian origin and is derived from the Germanic word graf. This spelling is also common in the Low Country region of Europe.
The spelling Degruve is an Anglicised version of the name Degraf and is a variant of the German word graf. This spelling is typically found in French and English speaking countries.
The spelling Degrouse is also derived from the Germanic word graf, and is mainly found in France and in parts of Switzerland.
The spelling DeGraff is prevalent in the United States of America and is an Americanised version of Degraf. This spelling is common among Americans of Dutch descent, and is also found in other countries that received waves of Dutch immigrants.
Famous people with the name Degraf
- Reta DeGraff: Canadian business executive and Board Director.
- Geoff Degraff: American musician and music producer.
- Darcy DeGraff: Canadian actress and producer.
- Corbin DeGraff: American basketball player and coach.
- Ryan DeGraff: American baseball player and coach.
- Vicki DeGraff: American television personality and interior decorator.
- Mark DeGraff: Canadian singer-songwriter and martial artist.
- Jimmy DeGraff: American actor and filmmaker.
- George DeGraff: Canadian hockey analyst and reporter.
- Evan DeGraff: American chef and restaurateur.
- Daphne DeGraff: American fashion designer and entrepreneur.
- Sam DeGraff: Canadian illustrator and comic book creator.
- Devin DeGraff: American video game developer and artist.
- Lisa DeGraff: American writer and animator.
- Ryan DeGraff: American musician and songwriter.
- Sean DeGraff: American event designer and planner.
- Don DeGraff: American writer and producer.
- Tim DeGraff: American visual effects supervisor and animator.
- Scott DeGraff: Canadian fiction writer and editor.
- Sue DeGraff: American voice actor and dialogue director.