Greene

Greene is a surname of English origin, a variant of Green. It derives from the Middle English grene, from Old English grene meaning “green.” The surname is typically descriptive or toponymic, often given to someone who lived near a village green or came from a place named Greene or Green.

Notable individuals with the surname include Nathanael Greene (1742–1786), a major general in the Continental Army who played a key role in the Southern campaign of the American Revolutionary War. The name is borne by many others across politics, arts, science, and sports, reflecting its long-standing presence in the English-speaking world.

Geographically, Greene is used as a place name in the United States. There are numerous counties named Greene County in multiple states, as well as towns and communities bearing the name Greene. The use of Greene in place names often reflects historical settlement patterns and local naming practices.

In historical texts, Greene can also appear as an archaic or alternate spelling of the color green. As a surname and place name, Greene remains in regular use today, continuing a long association with the color and with communities across English-speaking regions.