Surname Craig - Meaning and Origin

Craig: What does the surname Craig mean?

The surname Craig is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "creag" which means "rock" or "crag". In the context of a surname, it signifies individuals who lived near a crag or rocky terrain, usually on high ground. Therefore, people bearing the surname Craig may have ancestors who occupied or resided near rocky hills and mountains. The usage of such geographical features as a means of identity was common among communities in early Scotland. This practice was chiefly done to distinguish individuals or families based on their place of residence or occupation. Like many surnames of geographical origin, Craig may also have been used to describe someone who came from a place named with this word. Besides Scotland, variations of this surname can be found in other cultures and languages, often bearing similar meanings connected with rocks or cliffs.

Craig: Where does the name Craig come from?

The surname Craig is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "creag" which means rock or cliff. It is often believed to have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a steep or precipitous rock, other theories suggest that it might have been a habitational name from any of the places named with this word, such as places called Craig in Aberdeenshire, Angus, Kincardineshire, and Midlothian.

Around the mid-19th century, many Scottish families bearing the Craig surname emigrated to the United States and Canada, which led to the spread of this surname outside of Scotland.

Today, the surname Craig is most prevalent in the United States, with a higher concentration in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Canada as per the data from Forebears and Ancestry databases. It is relatively common in English-speaking countries and particularly common in regions with strong historical Scottish connections. Despite its original link with the Scottish areas, the forced dispersal of people through the Highland Clearances and the Scottish Enlightenment has seen the name spread to all parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Craig

Craig is a surname of Scottish origin. In Scotland, it originally meant someone who lived near a steep or precipitous rock, from the Gaelic "creag" or "carraig". The surname Craig has several spelling variants and combinations, including Craigie, Criag, Crag, Creg, Craighead, Craigiehead and MacCraig. Some people may also have the surname McCreag or McCraig, indicating Scottish or Irish ancestry.

In Ireland, it has been used as an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surnames Ó Creagáin or Mac Craith. Variants of these surnames include Creagan, Creggan, McCraggan, Craghan, and McCraith.

There may also be further regional variants and spellings based on cultural and linguistic differences across regions in Scotland and Ireland. Furthermore, spelling variations may also occur based on phonetic spelling by immigration officials for those who emigrated to different countries.

Please note that while these spellings are connected to the surname Craig, each variant might have its history and meanings.

Famous people with the name Craig

• Daniel Craig: English actor famously known for playing James Bond in the series of the millennium.
• Jenny Craig: Entrepreneur who co-founded the Jenny Craig weight management program.
• Yvonne Craig: American ballet dancer and actress best known for her role as Batgirl in the 1960s Batman TV series.
• Larry Craig: Former American politician who served as the United States Senator from Idaho.
• Wendy Craig: English actress who starred in various British sitcoms, including "Butterflies" and "The Royal".
• Simon Craig: Australian musician and former member of the band After the Fall.
• Steven Craig: Scottish footballer who currently plays as a forward for Forfar Athletic.
• Michael Craig: British-Australian actor and scriptwriter known for his appearances in films during the 1950s and 1960s.
• Alistair Craig: British Conservative Party politician who unsuccessfully contested various seats in general elections.
• Sally Craig: An American professional tennis player in the mid-20th century.
• Chloe Craig: Scottish footballer who plays as a defender for Celtic and the Scotland women's national team.
• Keith Craig: Accomplished American Jazz musician.
• Charlie Craig: Accomplished American country singer and songwriter.
• Robin Craig: Texas Law Professor and published author.

Other surnames

CraibCraigeCraigieCraiglowCraigmileCraigmilesCraigmyleCraigmylesCraigoCraigowCraigsCrailsheimerCrainCraine