The Grimshaw surname first appeared in Lancashire, apparently by 1000 AD, and perhaps earlier. There are two competing theories on the origin of the Grimshaw name – a “Celtic” and a “Viking” theory.

What does the name Grimshaw mean? The ancestors of the name Grimshaw date back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the Grimshaw family lived in the hamlet of Grimshaw, now part of Eccleshill in Lancashire .

The Grimshaw family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Grimshaw families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1840 there were 9 Grimshaw families living in New York.

The Grimshaw surname originated in Lancashire in the northern part of England, apparently around 1000 A.D. There appear to be few records of Grimshaw family lines for the first 200 to 250 years. It is highly probable that the family’s roots are connected to the town of Grimsargh, which is a short distance northeast of Preston.

English (Lancashire): habitational name from either of two places in Lancashire named Grimshaw, from the Old Norse personal name Grímr (see Grime ) or Old English grīma ‘specter, goblin’ + …

The meaning of Grimshaw. 1. English (Lancashire): habitational name from either of two places in Lancashire named Grimshaw, from the Old Norse personal name Grímr (see Grime) or Old English grīma ‘specter, goblin’ + Old English sceaga ‘copse’. 2.

The surname Grimshaw is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words "grim" meaning fierce or stern, and "sceaga" meaning thicket or copse. Therefore, the name Grimshaw is believed to have originally referred to someone who lived near or in a dense, dark thicket.

In summary, the Grimshaw name originated in England among the descendants of Vikings. The name extends back at least to 1190 and likely goes back before the Norman invasion of 1066, perhaps before 1000 A.D.

The surname Grimshaw is an English and Lancastrian family name with a rich history dating back to medieval times. It is derived from a now greatly diminished medieval village formerly known as Grimshaw, now known as Grimshaw Park, near the town of Blackburn.

Learn the fascinating origin of the Grimshaw surname; its meaning & distribution. Unlock your family history in the largest database of last names.