Origins of the Green surname
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
Start your family history journey
Start free trial
Start your family tree
Trace your family back in time. Make new discoveries and see what other Findmypast family historians in our genealogy community have discovered about the Greens.
Sign up to get startedDelve deeper into the Green family's history
Interesting facts about Green
How common is your surname?
20th most common surname in the UK
Who were Greens most likely to marry?
What are the most common Green first names?
John
William
Mary
Elizabeth
Common jobs for Greens
Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.
Commmon 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
Commmon 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
Learn more about the lives of Green family members
Share your discoveries
Look for a different surname
Find out more about your family in our records