Surname Crewe - Meaning and Origin
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Crewe: What does the surname Crewe mean?
The surname Crewe is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the town of Crewe in Cheshire, England. The etymology of the word is believed to come from an Old Welsh term "cryw", meaning "ford" or "weir", a reference to the type of river crossing one would find in the town. In the earliest records, the town's name was spelled as "Crev," which evolved to "Creu" and then "Crewe". It is a geographical surname, initially given to individuals who lived in or near Crewe. The surname dates back to at least the 13th century when it was first recorded in written documents. So, someone carrying the surname Crewe today can trace their roots back to this town in Cheshire, England. The town itself is known for its railway junction and is associated with the production of luxury cars and locomotives, contributing to England’s industrial history.
Order DNA origin analysisCrewe: Where does the name Crewe come from?
The last name "Crewe" has English origins, specifically hailing from Cheshire, England. The name is derived from the Old Welsh word "cryw", which means "ford" or a "crossing place". It was first used as a place name for the town of Crewe in Cheshire, and then eventually became a surname for families living in or near the area.
Crewe became a prominent family in the region, with Sir Ranulph Crewe serving as the Speaker of the House of Commons in the early 17th century. Historically, the Crewe surname was especially prevalent among families in the north of England, particularly in Cheshire and its surrounding counties.
The name has spread across the globe due to migration and today, it can be found in various parts of the world. However, it remains most common in England. In terms of numbers, the highest concentration of people with the surname Crewe is still found in the United Kingdom, followed by Australia, Canada, the United States, and South Africa. The surname Crewe is relatively rare, ranking at 21544th in terms of global prevalence.
Variations of the surname Crewe
The surname Crewe is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is associated with a place in the county of Cheshire, England. This surname has several spelling variations, often resulting from regional dialects, transcriptions and pronunciations. Some of the common variants of Crewe include Crew, Creu, Crue, Crewe, and Crea.
Crewe may also be connected to the surname Crew, pronounced the same way, from the Old English "cru", meaning a cross or rook. The variations of this surname can include Crews, Cru, Crewse and Cruwys, with possibly others. The surnames True, Truwe, and Tru may also be associated as they have a similar pronunciation to Crew.
These respective variants may have been used interchangeably over the course of history due to differences in language, spelling, and regional dialect, which would commonly occur especially prior to the standardization of English spellings. Please note that although these surnames are similar or may sound the same, each one may have distinct origins and may not necessarily denote kinship or connection to the Crewe family.
Famous people with the name Crewe
- Bob Crewe: An American songwriter, dancer, singer, manager, record producer, and fine artist. He was best known for producing, co-writing, and managing the career of pop group The Four Seasons.
- Frank Crewe: A British Labour Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Ince from 1955 to 1974.
- Robert Crewe: Known professionally as Robert IX, he was an English author, screenwriter, stage director, actor, and singer.
- Thomas Crewe: An English lawyer and politician, served as the Speaker of the House of Commons from 1605 to 1614.
- Marquess of Crewe: A title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom specifically for Robert Crewe-Milnes, who was a British statesman known for being Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and a prominent supporter of Home Rule. These are few of the notable figures with the last name "Crewe." Please note that while some of these figures are not well-known today to the general public, they were influential in their own times and areas of expertise.