Surname Crow - Meaning and Origin

Tracing My Roots: A Fascinating Genetic Journey into the Crow Surname with iGENEA DNA Test

My report dives into the fascinating genetic story of the Crow name, unveiled by the iGENEA DNA test. The results not only confirmed a Celtic-British tribal origin, but also highlight ancestral journeys through Europe and intriguing ties to far-reaching corners of the continent. The tale spun from these results weave a rich narrative of human history, a testament to bygone centuries, immortalized in our genes.

M. Crow

Crow: What does the surname Crow mean?

The surname Crow is of English origin and derives from the Old English term "crawa," which means "crow." It was either a nickname given to a person who resembled a crow in some way, such as having dark hair, having a loud voice, or being talkative (as crows are known for their noisy calls), or perhaps a raucous or jocular behavior. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational name for one who had to scare crows or other birds away from crops. Individuals with the Crow surname can often trace their lineages back to ancient Anglo-Saxon culture in Britain. The name may have different variations such as Crowe, Croe, and similar. Like many surnames from nicknames, it reflects the physical characteristics and personality traits early leaders and chiefs believed would be beneficial for the group. As populations grow, people began to require a surname for more practical purposes, leading to such surnames becoming hereditary.

Crow: Where does the name Crow come from?

The surname Crow has an English origin and is often derived from the Old English word "crawa" or "crawe", indicating "crow," and often given as a nickname for someone who bore a perceived resemblance to a crow, perhaps in terms of physique, complexion, apparel, behavior, or voice. Variations of this name exist, including Crowe, Croe, and even Mac Enchroe derived from Irish roots.

In medieval times, names were often determined based on a person's work, appearance, or origin and this has given us a rich tapestry of surnames today. The Crow surname can also be found in one's geographical lineage, with various locations named 'Crow' in England due to their association with crows.

Today, Crow is a common surname predominantly in English-speaking countries, often found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it is most prevalent in Texas, followed by California and Missouri. However, as populations continue to move and expand, the distribution of the surname also changes dynamically.

Variations of the surname Crow

The surname Crow is of English origins and is related to a variety of old english names. Variations of this surname include Crowe, Cro, Crough, Crouw, and Crower. It is believed that the surname could have been a nickname for someone who resembled a crow in some way, perhaps in their physical characteristics or demeanor.

In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to have occupational surnames. Thus, another theory is that the surname Crow could have been an occupational surname for a person who cared for crows, or perhaps an individual who had the job of scaring crows from fields.

Another variation is MacEnchroe, an Irish surname, which was anglicized to Crowe. It originates from the Gaelic name Mac Conchradha, meaning son of Conchradha.

Similarly, in Scotland, the surname 'Crow' could be derived from Mac 'Ille Bhuidhe, an old, traditional name.

Sometimes, the surname crow may come from a simplified or Americanized form of a more complex European surname. For comparison, the German surname 'Krahe', which means crow, could have been simplified to Crow in English-speaking countries.

Therefore, while Crow is a particular and independent surname, its variations and related surnames are numerous and diverse.

Famous people with the name Crow

• Sheryl Crow: An American singer-songwriter who received numerous Grammy Awards for hits like "All I Wanna Do," "If It Makes You Happy," and "Soak Up the Sun."
• Cameron Crowe: An American film director, producer, and screenwriter known for movies like "Jerry Maguire" and "Almost Famous."
• Russell Crowe: An Oscar-winning actor from New Zealand known for movies like "Gladiator," "A Beautiful Mind," and "Les Miserables." Note: His last name is similar, but not exactly 'Crow'.
• Steve "Clem" Grogan, also known as 'Scramblehead': A member of Charles Manson's "family," he was given the nickname 'Clem' because he often acted clumsy or 'stupid as a crow'.
• Joseph Medicine Crow: A Native American historian and author from the Crow Nation in Montana, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• Bob Crow: A British trade union leader who served as the General Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.
• Charles B. Crow III: Known as Charlie Crowe, an English footballer that played for Newcastle United.
• John A. Crow: A noted author and hispanist, widely respected for his work on Spanish history and culture.
• Lance Crow: A well-known actor and writer recognized for his performance in "Deadly Devotion".

Other surnames

CroasdaileCroasdaleCroasdallCroasdellCroceCrockerCrocketCrockettCroelCroesCroeseCroesenCroezenCroftCroftsCrögerCroghanCrohnCrohneCroisdaleCroixCrokeCrokerCroleyCrollCrollieCrollyCromCromar