The regiment's soldiers were recruited from the province of Östergötland.
The regiment has its origins in fänikor (companies) raised in Östergötland in the 16th century.
In 1619, these units—along with fänikor from the nearby Jönköping County—were organised by Gustav II Adolf into Östergötlands storregemente.
The reorganisation and renaming to a "life grenadier" title of honour came in regard to the regiment's achievements during Gustav III's Russian War.
Östgöta Cavalry Regiment was renamed to Livgrenadjärregementets rusthållsdivision and retained a degree of semi-independence.