Talking about death usually makes people uncomfortable, and no one likes to think about their own mortality. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life span in the United States is 78.8 years, which means death is inevitable, and end-of-life planning is part of the process. During that planning, a headstone or a gravestone may be discussed, but what's the difference between them?

What's the Difference? 

The words headstone and gravestone are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Today, when you discuss a headstone or a gravestone, the meaning is understood to be a slab of stone often engraved with an “epitaph” to mark a grave. Typically, a stone with etchings is placed at the head of the grave, but at one point in time, these two terms had different meanings. Let's look into these meanings now.

Headstone

The term headstone was initially coined to describe the cornerstone of a building. This part of the building marked the construction date, the architect, and other information about the building. It was not until the late 1700s that this term began to be used to describe a monument at the head of a grave. 

Today, the term is never used to describe the cornerstone of a building. It is always associated with cemeteries and grave markers. 

Gravestone

The term gravestone is older than the term headstone in the English language and dates back to the 1400s. It has always been used to convey the description of stones associated with graves. A gravestone is a catch-all phrase that can describe everything from a proper headstone to a small grave marker. 

Which Term Should I Use?

Whether "headstone" or "gravestone" is used largely depends on the local vernacular and whom you are talking to. While these terms may have had different meanings historically, today, they are both used to convey the idea that a grave is to be marked.

Gravestones, headstones, tombstones, and other grave markers are crafted by skilled artisans that are always happy to talk about your options. End-of-life planning can include making decisions about how your grave will be marked and how you can take the stress off your family. Reach out to us today to discuss your plans.