Migration

• Graves/Greaves Houses and Places

Related links

• Alphabetical Ancestor Listing
• Surname Distribution within U.S. and U.K.
• Name Origins and Variations, and Genealogies of Surname Variations
• Ancestry.com

This is not intended to be a final and definitive presentation of Graves/Greaves/Grieve/etc. migration, but a guide and a work in progress. Send your comments and additions to Ken Graves.

Within the British Isles

Studies need to be done and evidence needs to be gathered to prove whether there were many origins of the family name or just a few. It is not yet proven that the name variations of Graves, Greaves, Grave, Grieves, Grieve, Greve, and others were from a common origin.

However, the belief is presently that most, if not all, of the name variations are related, that there was only a handful of original ancestors, and that they were located in the southern Yorkshire, northern Derbyshire, northern Lincolnshire area of England. It is hoped that studies of ancient records, population distributions at various times, and DNA analysis will prove or disprove this theory.

The change in distribution of various spellings of the surname can be seen on a series of maps.

From European Countries

A comparatively large number of Graves/Grave/Greaves are on the lists of early settlers arriving from Europe. Most of these emigrated from England and settled in America, but some were from other countries, and some went to Australia or elsewhere. Most of the known immigrant Graves ancestors are listed below. In some cases it cannot be proven that the earliest known person in the family was the immigrant, but this is believed to be the case.

Most other ancestors and branches of the Graves families in America and elsewhere are believed to have descended from these ancestors. However, there are undoubtedly other lines, and some of the ancestors shown here are probably related, at least distantly.

It has long been believed by most people that all the Graves families in America descended from a very few immigrant ancestors. Although it may be true that a few immigrant ancestors account for most of the descendants in America, it is also evident from the following long list of families that there have been many, many immigrant Graves families.

The number in parentheses for each ancestor is the arbitrary identifying number assigned to each one.

Note that often there have been many immigrants of the same name during the same time period. For instance, there were at least 6 immigrants to America named Thomas Graves in the 1600's. So great care must be used to be sure the correct person is identified.

From the British Isles to America

Graves family members have gone from the British Isles to settle in America from the early 1600's until the present day. The first known family member was Capt. Thomas Graves of VA (169) who arrived in Jamestown, VA in Oct. 1608. Many others have arrived since then, settling in what is now the U.S. and Canada.

From England to Australia & New Zealand

Migration to Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere in the British empire did not occur until the 1800's. Examples include:

From Germany and German-speaking Areas of Europe to America

Within the U.S.

Most early migration to what is now the United States of America went to the seaports on the east coast. As the nation expanded, most migration was to the west. Since most people depended on farming for their living, they tended to stay in the same climatic zones (similar to the growing zones shown on the back of seed packets), because crops and farming techniques would be similar.

The change in distribution of various spellings of the surname can be seen on a series of maps.

However, there was some north-south migration. Some of this was related to coastal trade by ship, some to the Revolutionary War and Civil War, and some was connected with economic, religious and political issues. The lure of free or inexpensive land was great, and escape from excessive government control was often a factor also. Some of the examples are below.

From U.S. to Canada, Brazil and Elsewhere

During and after the American Revolution, many Loyalists (those loyal to Great Britain) went to Canada, to England, and elsewhere.

During and after the American Civil War, many southerners left the U.S. and went to Brazil and elsewhere.

All wars have probably created migration. Most recently, protestors from the U.S. fled to Canada during the Viet Nam War.

Total Immigration to the U.S.

Total Graves immigration to the U.S. by year (from 1851 though 1891) is shown on this chart. This is from the U.S. Immigration Collection of Ancestry.com.

To find more information on these families, go to the Alphabetical Ancestor Listing.