Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Graves

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      Steward

      Variations 
      Aravis, Draven, Ganesa

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Graves can be traced back to its English origins, where it originated as an occupational name for a Steward. In medieval England, a grave was a term used to describe a person responsible for managing a landed estate or household. Over time, this position evolved into the more familiar meaning of a person in charge of burials and maintaining a cemetery. The name Graves, therefore, has direct connotations to the stewardship and management of both land and the deceased.

      Throughout history, the name Graves has appeared in various contexts, showcasing its significance in society. In the Middle Ages, individuals bearing this name often held positions of power and worked closely with nobility. As stewards, they managed the vast estates and oversaw the day-to-day affairs of the landed gentry. Additionally, the name Graves can be found in historical records documenting their involvement in the administration of religious institutions, such as monasteries and cathedrals.

      In modern times, the name Graves continues to maintain its presence. Many individuals with the name Graves can be found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States. These modern-day Graves bear the ancestral legacy of stewardship and reflect their predecessors' connection to land and management. Furthermore, the name Graves often has significance within the funeral industry, as it can be associated with funeral homes, cemeteries, and memorial services. Overall, the name Graves represents a long-standing heritage of responsibility, care, and watchfulness, both in history and in present-day contexts.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Graves.
      Nielsen

      is the most common surname for Graves.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Graves.

      Martha

      is the most common child name for Graves.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1892 is when there were the most people born with the first name Graves.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.