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Origins of the Green surname

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What does the name Green mean?

The Green surname has old Saxon (from the Old English 'grene') and Norse roots, common throughout England and Ireland. Green is mostly thought to have geographical origins, referring to someone who lives near or at a village green, or some kind of grassy area. Sometimes the surname is believed to come from someone given a descriptive name of being young or inexperienced, and can also relate to the person who played the part of the 'Green Man' in May Day celebrations.

Alternative variations of the name Green

Green, Greene, Grean, Grene, Greane

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Where do most Greens live?

In 1921, most Greens lived in London.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Greens

How common is your surname?

20th most common surname in the UK

We have 881,000 records for the Green surname. The oldest one dates back to 1086.

Who were Greens most likely to marry?

Smiths

&

Williamses

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Greens.

What are the most common Green first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Green family members

Common jobs for Greens

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Greens in 1921
Dressmaker

3,569

Laundress

2,358

Domestic Servant

2,144

General Servant Domestic

1,979

Cotton Weaver

1,809

Common Male occupations for Greens in 1921
Agricultural Labourer

4,496

General Labourer

3,474

Coal Miner

3,296

Farm Labourer

2,392

Farmer

2,303

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We found over 1,000,000 family trees with the Green surname

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