The name Granville originated in Old French, derived from the Norman town of Granville in Normandy, France. The name itself is composed of the elements "grant" meaning "great" and "ville" meaning "town" or "settlement". Its earliest recorded use as a given name dates back to the 12th century in Normandy.

Granville was a popular name among the Norman nobility and aristocracy during the Middle Ages. It gained wider recognition after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, when many Norman-French names were introduced to Britain. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Granville de Lacey, a Norman nobleman who accompanied William the Conqueror during the invasion of England.

The name Granville has been associated with several notable historical figures throughout the centuries. One of the most famous was George Granville, 1st Baron Lansdowne (1667-1735), an English statesman and poet who served as Secretary of State under Queen Anne. Another prominent figure was John Carteret, Earl Granville (1690-1763), a British statesman and diplomat who served as Secretary of State for the Northern Department.

In the realm of literature, Granville Barker (1877-1946) was an influential English actor, playwright, and director who helped revolutionize the staging of Shakespearean plays in the early 20th century. Granville Sharp (1735-1813) was an English abolitionist and a key figure in the campaign against slavery in Britain and its colonies.

In the field of science, Granville William Chetwynd Probert (1834-1905) was a British chemist and pioneering researcher in the field of explosives and propellants. He played a significant role in the development of modern smokeless gunpowder.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Granville throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence and recognition across various fields and eras.