degraeve

Last name degraeve, meaning and origin.

The origin of the name degraeve

The name "Degraeve" is of Flemish origin, a region of Belgium where Dutch is spoken. In Dutch, "de" means "the" and "graeve" or "graaf" can be translated as "count" or "pit", depending on the context. The name could therefore refer to a title of nobility (count) or a geographical feature (pit, trench). Flemish surnames are often based on professions, geographical features or titles of nobility, which may help explain the origin of "Degraeve".

The meaning of the name degraeve

The name "Degraeve" is of Flemish or Dutch origin, and is particularly common in Belgium, especially in Flanders. The name is a variant of "De Graeve" or "De Grave".

The "De" element is a definite article in Dutch meaning "the" or "the", often used in surnames to indicate a relationship to a feature or place.

The word "Graeve" or "Grave" can have several possible meanings. It could derive from the Dutch word "graaf," meaning "count" or "lord," suggesting a noble origin or a connection with an estate ruled by an earl. Alternatively, it could be related to the word "graf," meaning "pit" or "grave," but this interpretation is less common.

In short, the name "Degraeve" could translate literally as "the count" or "the lord", or could have another meaning linked to geographical features or titles of nobility. Flemish and Dutch surnames with the "De" element are often toponymic or linked to professions or titles.

Geographical distribution of the name degraeve

The "Degraeve" surname is of Flemish origin and is mainly found in Belgium, particularly in the Flemish region. In Belgium, Flemish surnames are common in the provinces of West Flanders, East Flanders and Flemish Brabant.

Outside Belgium, people with the name "Degraeve" can also be found in France, especially in regions close to the Belgian border, such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais. In addition, due to emigration, a few carriers of the name can be found in other countries, such as the USA, Canada and Australia, although their numbers are generally limited.

The name "Degraeve" could derive from a toponym or a word designating a geographical feature, such as a "pit" or "trench" (from Dutch "graaf" or "greve").

Variants and spellings of the name degraeve

The name "Degraeve" is of Flemish or Dutch origin and can have several variants and spellings. Here are some of the possible variants:

  1. De Graeve: A more widely spaced form of the name.
  2. Degrave: Spelling simplification.
  3. De Graef: A variant spelling with an "f" at the end.
  4. De Graeve: Variant with a space and a final "e".
  5. Degrève: Variant with a grave accent on the "e".
  6. De Greve: Another spaced form with a grave accent.

These variations may be due to regional differences, spelling simplifications or linguistic adaptations.

Famous people with the surname degraeve

The Degraeve surname is of Flemish or Dutch origin, and is relatively rare. There aren't many world-famous personalities with this name, but here are a few notable individuals:

  1. Jean-Luc Degraeve: Belgian chess player born in 1963. He was awarded the title of International Grandmaster (GMI) in 1991. Jean-Luc is well known in the chess world and has taken part in numerous international tournaments.

  2. Marc Degraeve: A Belgian artist and illustrator known for his work in comics and illustration. He has worked on several comic projects and is appreciated for his distinctive style.

These personalities may not be as famous as figures from the world of entertainment or politics, but they have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Genealogy research on the name degraeve

The "Degraeve" surname is of Flemish or Dutch origin, more specifically Belgian. It is relatively common in Dutch-speaking areas of Belgium, such as Flanders. Here's some more information about this name:

  1. Etymological origin:
  • The name "Degraeve" is derived from the Dutch word "graeve" or "graaf", meaning "count" or "governor". The prefix "De" is a definite article meaning "the" in Dutch.
  • Another interpretation is that "graeve" may also refer to a "hollow" or "pit", suggesting that the early bearers of the name may have lived near a geographical hollow or depression.
  1. Geographical distribution:
  • In Belgium, the name is mainly found in West and East Flanders.
  • It is also present in northern France, particularly in regions close to the Belgian border.
  1. Spelling variants:
  • Like many surnames, "Degraeve" can have variant spellings depending on region and dialect. Some possible variants include "De Graeve", "Degrave", "De Graef", and "De Graaf".
  1. Notability:
  • There are several notable people with this name, notably in the fields of politics, the arts and science in Belgium and France.

For more in-depth genealogical research, we recommend consulting local archives, parish registers, online genealogical databases, and contacting historical or genealogical societies in your ancestors' region of origin. Sites such as FamilySearch,

Maps of the geographic distribution of the name degraeve

The "Degraeve" surname is of Belgian, or more precisely Flemish, origin. In Belgium, it is particularly common in the regions of West and East Flanders. Here are some details on the geographical distribution of the name "Degraeve":

  1. Belgium:
  • West Flanders: The name "Degraeve" is most common in this province. Cities like Bruges, Kortrijk and Roeselare can have a notable concentration of people with this name.
  • East Flanders: The name "Degraeve" is also found in this region, although to a lesser extent than in West Flanders. Ghent is one city where the name may appear.
  1. France:
  • The name "Degraeve" can also be found in northern France, due to geographical proximity and historical links with Belgium. The departments of Nord and Pas-de-Calais are the most likely to have carriers of this name.
  1. Other regions:
  • Although less frequent, the name "Degraeve" can also appear in other countries, often as a result of emigration. It can be found in countries such as the Netherlands, Canada, the USA and Australia, where Belgian families have settled.

For accurate geographic distribution maps, you can use genealogy and surname distribution services such as Forebears, Geneanet, or national population databases in Belgium and France.

Some statistics on the name degraeve

The "Degraeve" surname is of Flemish origin, a region located mainly in Belgium. Here are some statistics and general information about this name:

  1. Origin:
  • "Degraeve" is a Flemish name that could be derived from the word "graeve" or "grave", meaning "count" or "lord". It may also be linked to a toponym or a specific place in Flanders.
  1. Geographical distribution:
  • This name is mainly found in Belgium, particularly in Flanders, but can also be found in France, particularly in the Nord region, where there is a historic Flemish influence.
  1. Prevalence:
  • In Belgium, the name "Degraeve" is relatively rare. It is not one of the most common surnames, but is well represented in certain Flemish regions.
  • In France, it is also rare and concentrated mainly in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments.
  1. Spelling variants:
  • Like many Flemish names, "Degraeve" can have different spelling variants, such as "De Graeve", "Degrave", or "Degraef".
  1. Notable personalities:
  • It can

Maps of the geographical distribution of family names

It is sometimes possible to deduce the origin of a surname by examining maps of the geographical distribution of surnames.

These maps show visually where surnames have appeared over time. For genealogists, this method provides a starting point for research in the country of origin, especially when it is difficult to find this information in documents in the new country of residence. This approach is particularly effective for rare surnames and for families who have lived in the same parts of Europe for centuries.

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