Surname Cragg - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Cragg: What does the surname Cragg mean?
The surname Cragg is of Old English origin and is topographic in nature. It is derived from the Middle English term 'crag', which means 'rock' or 'cliff'. This suggests that the original bearers of the name likely lived near or on a rocky cliff. It could also possibly describe someone who lived by a notable crag or large outcrop of rock. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved due to variations in regional dialects and pronunciation. Variations of the surname include Crag, Craggs, and Craigs. Like many other surnames, the name Cragg serves as a geographic marker, linking its bearers to a specific land or location. Therefore, studying this name can provide insights into the migration and settlement patterns of our ancestors. It is also interesting to note that the surname appears in many early English legal documents and records, indicating its bearers' significant roles within their communities.
Order DNA origin analysisCragg: Where does the name Cragg come from?
The surname Cragg is of English origin and is considered a topographical surname, which were given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. In this case, "Cragg" derives from the Old Norse 'krggr', and the Old English pre 7th Century 'crag', and it was used to describe someone who lived by a steep rock or cliff, or possibly as a nickname for a "tough" or robust individual. This name has various spelling forms including Crag, Crago, Cragoe, Craig, Craigg, and Craggs.
The surname Cragg is most commonly found in the UK, specifically in Northumberland. Despite this, it can still be observed in other parts of the world due to the movement and migration of people. Many people with the surname Cragg can also be found today in Australia, the United States, and Canada. Some of the early settlers in the US and Canada were Richard, Henry, and John Cragg who landed in North America in the 18th century.
Variations of the surname Cragg
The surname Cragg most likely originated from the Northern Middle English term 'crag', pertaining to a large rock or rocks, often as seen on a hillside or cliff face. It's often bestowed upon those living near such a geographical phenomenon. Variants of this surname can include Crag, Krag, Craig, Kraig, Kragg, and Craggs.
As a surname, Cragg is found with higher prevalence in regions including England (especially in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire), Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the form Craig is more common and it's also found amongst Scottish emigrants in North America.
The fact that "craig" means rock in both Gaelic and Welsh shows that this surname could also have the similar topographical roots in these regions under different spellings, though the link might be more indirect in these instances.
It's also worthy to note that surnames' spellings often changed over centuries, with illiteracy and differing regional dialects influencing how names were written in historical records. Thus, some of the historical variants might not comply with the modern rules of English spelling.
Names similar to Cragg could stem from completely different origins – for example, the German surname Krag might have etymological origins separate from the English/Scottish Cragg, despite their phonetic similarity.
Famous people with the name Cragg
- Tony Cragg: An internationally recognized British sculptor, Tony Cragg's work is notable for its exploration of different materials and for often being monumental in scale.
- Richard Cragg: He is a prominent South African lawyer, known primarily for his work in corporate law.
- Andrew Cragg: A retired Australian rules football player who has competed at a high level within Australia's football scene.
- Harry Cragg: He was a well-known English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1900s and 1910s.
- John Cragg: A historical figure, John Cragg was an ironmaster and entrepreneur in the early 19th century in Liverpool, England. His innovative use of cast iron in building construction is hugely acclaimed.
- Hannah Craggs: She is an actress, known for her role in the movie ‘In Return’ (2011).
- Jenny Cragg: Jenny is a well-recognized costume designer, most known for her work in movies like 'It's a Boy Girl Thing' and TV series such as 'The Umbrella Academy.'
- Amy Cragg: An American long-distance runner, Amy Cragg has represented the USA in several international competitions, including the Olympics.
- Alex Cragg: Alex Cragg was an English cricketer and rugby union player active in the early 20th century.