Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • 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
  • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Graves

Origin

English

Meaning

Steward

Variations

Aravis, Draven, Ganesa
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...

Nielsen

Nielsen

This is the most common surname associated with Graves.
Mary

Mary

This is the most common name of those married to a Graves.
Martha

Martha

This is the most common name for a child of a Graves.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
calendar.webp
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1892 is when there were the most people born with the first name Graves.

Explore the origins of another name.