Looking for surname origin?

Question

The surnames are Texter and Greier. I've looked them up before but could find nothing. Maybe someone can help. These are for friends. Because I already know my surname originated from Scotland.

Answer 1

I took a brief look at some databases that I have a subscription to and found that the name Texter seems to come from Germany. I found that most of the Texters in the census records that have German roots resided in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, although there were other locations as well.

Here are a few free places to research Texter further:

http://genforum.genealogy.com/texter/
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.texter/mb.ashx
http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi
http://www.gencircles.com/globaltree/gosearch?gc_f=&gc_l=Texter&by=&ba=0&bp=&fa=&dy=&da=0&mo=&dp=&sp=&t=Marriage&oy=&oa=0&op=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0
http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/frameset_search.asp

The same sites can be used to research Grier, which I found to also be of German origin. Most of the ships records show Germany as birthplace.

The best thing I can tell you though is that both of these names seem to have german origins, however, the only way that that can be confirmed for your friends family is to research family members one by one, generation by generation. For example, my husband has the last name of Kelley. Kelley is traditionally an Irish name; however, I have yet to find his tie to Ireland. He carries a traditionally Irish name, but I have found he seems to have more English blood than anything.

I hope that this helps. Blessings to you and your friends.

Answer 2

I'm wondering if "Texter" could have originally been "Dexter"-- that often happens in families. There are some Texter researchers here who may be able to help-- they have some email contact addresses & sites especially in the first posting.

http://genforum.genealogy.com/texter/

If it was Dexter, then the origin is said to be a placename:
Dexter Surname Origin
A contraction of De Exeter, from the city of Exeter, in Devonshire, England; anciently written Excester, from Exe, the name of the river on which it is situated, and cester, a camp or town, for the derivation of which see Chester.


Source: An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names With an Essay on their Derivation and Import; Arthur, William, M.A.; New York, NY: Sheldon, Blake, Bleeker & CO., 1857

Likewise, I'm wondering if "Greier" is a variation of "Greer" which I've seen rendered as Grier and Greear. If so, this is the origin:

Greer Surname Origin
A corruption of Gregor. Gilbert McGregor, second son of Malcom, Laird of McGregor, who settled at Nithesdale, Dumfries Co., Scotland, in 1374, left issue, who assumed the short appellation of Greer. Welsh, Grewr, a herdsman.


Source: An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names With an Essay on their Derivation and Import; Arthur, William, M.A.; New York, NY: Sheldon, Blake, Bleeker & CO., 1857.

Good luck!

Answer 3

This might be difficult because some names were changed slightly while immigrants went through Ellis Island.

This site has tips on searching the Ellis Island database and sites to search the surnames you've listed.

http://genealogy.about.com/od/ellis_island/

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

you're American! you have gotten family contributors from Russia, Poland, England, i could additionally probability a huge gamble you have some interior of sight American blood too. Gavitt is English of unknown orgin, in all hazard an alterred spelling of Gabbett.

Answer 5

Did you try the message boards at www.rootsweb.com