Find out how popular the last name Gradney is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Gradney.

Gradney, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Gradney surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Gradney in America

Gradney is the 38265th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Gradney surname appeared 579 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Gradney.

We can also compare 2010 data for Gradney to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Gradney

The surname Gradney originates from England and can be traced back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "græd" meaning greedy or voracious, and "ey" meaning island or land near water. This suggests the name may have referred to someone who lived on fertile land or an area known for its abundant resources.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Gradney appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1275, where a Robert de Gradeney is listed as a landowner. The variant spelling "Gradenaye" is also found in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1301, indicating the name's presence in the southwestern region of England during this period.

The Gradney name is linked to several place names in England, such as Gradney Manor in Herefordshire and Gradney Hill in Worcestershire. These locations may have served as the ancestral homes of various Gradney families, contributing to the dispersal of the name across the country.

Notable individuals bearing the Gradney surname include Sir John Gradney (1525-1592), a prominent landowner and member of the gentry in Gloucestershire. He was known for his support of the Tudor monarchy and his involvement in local affairs. Another historical figure was William Gradney (1630-1711), a successful merchant and philanthropist from Bristol, who donated funds for the construction of almshouses and schools in the city.

In the realm of literature, John Gradney (1790-1867), a poet and essayist from Yorkshire, gained recognition for his works celebrating the natural beauty of the English countryside. His collection of poems, "Odes to the Dales," published in 1845, was highly acclaimed during his lifetime.

Across the Atlantic, the Gradney name also found its way to the American colonies. One of the earliest recorded instances is that of Thomas Gradney (1655-1723), a farmer and landowner who settled in Virginia in the late 17th century. His descendants played a role in the development of the region, with some serving in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Another notable American figure was Elizabeth Gradney (1815-1892), a prominent abolitionist and activist from Massachusetts. She was actively involved in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Her efforts and dedication to the cause of abolition earned her widespread recognition and respect.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the Gradney surname throughout history, each leaving their mark on various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of the name's legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Gradney

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Gradney.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Gradney was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Gradney has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Gradney was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gradney, please contact us.

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