Graver Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Graver is of English and German origin. In English, it is derived from the Middle English word "graver" meaning a grave digger, burial ground worker, or keeper of a graveyard. This occupational name was given to individuals who worked in or around cemeteries.
In German, Graver is a variation of the surname "Krämer," which means a shopkeeper or merchant. It originates from the Middle High German word "krāmere" or "krēmere," which referred to a small-scale trader or peddler.
The family history of the surname Graver can vary depending on the specific family. It is believed that some Graver families have English origins, while others have German roots. These families might have been involved in cemetery maintenance, trade, or other related occupations.
As with any surname, it is essential to conduct thorough genealogical research to determine the specific family history and origin of individual Graver families.

1. The surname Graver is derived from the German word "gräber," which translates to "grave digger" or "undertaker."
2. It is considered to be an occupational surname, indicating that an ancestor of the family may have worked as a grave digger or had some association with the funeral industry.
3. The Graver surname is relatively rare, with its highest concentration in the United States, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.
4. Variations of the Graver surname include Grave, Grafe, Graf, Grover, Grieves, and Greber.
5. The origin of the Graver surname can be traced back to early medieval Germany, where grave diggers held an essential role in burying the dead.
6. The Graver surname may also have Jewish origins, with some Jewish families adopting the name during the time when surnames became mandatory for Jews in the 18th century.
7. Graver is also a phonetic spelling variant of the French surname "Gravier," which means "gravel" in English.
8. Famous individuals with the surname Graver include American baseball player Tom Graver and American businessman and philanthropist Henry A. Graver.
9. The coat of arms associated with the Graver surname typically features symbols related to death, burial, or remembrance, such as a skull and crossbones, a shovel, or a tombstone.
10. Over time, some individuals with the surname Graver may have chosen to change or anglicize their name for various reasons, leading to further variations in spelling and pronunciation.