The De Grebber are considered to be one of the oldest noble families in Waterland[1] and the city of Amsterdam.

The origin of the family, called De Grebber from the later 13th century, is said to be in Edam and Monnickendam, where they held extensive allod possessions.

His son Claes (Klaas) Jacobsz de Grebber (d. 1313) was one of the nobles who led West Friesland to independence from Count Floris V of Holland in 1296.

At the end of the 14th century, a line of the De Grebbers came to Amsterdam and belonged to the local patriciate.

Their progenitor Pieter Graeff (* around 1450/1460 as Peter von Graben), alleged son of the Austrian noble Wolfgang von Graben, married Griet Pietersdr Berents, who was a descendant of Jan Berents, Lord of Randenbroek (Amersfoort), the son of Wouter Berensz and his wife Dieuwer Willemsz de Grebber, called Berents.