Graven (surname)

The surname Graven is of primarily English origin, and is considered a topographic or habitational name. Topographic surnames were given to those who lived near a notable geographical feature, while habitational surnames were given to those who came from a particular place.

The name Graven is derived from the Old English word "graf," meaning a grove or a small wood. It could therefore denote someone who lived near or in a small wood or grove. It can also derive from the Middle English word "grave," which has a few possible meanings, including a ditch or a pit. In this case, the surname would have been given to someone who lived near such a feature.

Variants of the surname include Grave, Greave, and Graves. The surname is found primarily in England, and later spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia through migration.

Early records of the name's usage can be found in English historical documents, such as parish registers and land deeds. The spelling of the name may have varied over time due to regional dialects and scribal variations.

The coat of arms associated with the Graven surname varies depending on the specific family line. Heraldry, the practice of designing and displaying coats of arms, was often a localized practice, and different branches of the same family could develop their own distinct heraldic emblems.