Surname Craigs - Meaning and Origin
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Craigs: What does the surname Craigs mean?
The surname Craigs is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic word "Creag," which translates to "rock" in English. It is a topographical surname historically used for people who lived near a notable crag or a steep, rugged rock rising above others. The name likely pointed to individuals living in or around places with striking rocky landscapes. Over time, family names related to geographical features like valleys, hills, streams, and landscapes became popular identifiers. The surname Craigs can be found mainly in Scotland and Northern England, heavily concentrated in areas with such geological features. It emphasizes the strong connection between surnames and geographic or landscape distinctiveness in medieval times.
Order DNA origin analysisCraigs: Where does the name Craigs come from?
The surname Craigs is of Scottish origin, derived from the place name Craig, which means "rocky hill" in Scottish Gaelic. Multiple locations in Scotland are named Craig, hence the surname could pertain to various ancestral homes. While several forms of this surname exist, including Craig, Craigh, Craik, and others, Craigs is a plural version, often given to those who lived by a group of rocks or hills.
The surname was first found in Aberdeenshire, a historic county in northeastern Scotland where they were granted lands by King David of Scotland in 1150. The family held high ranking in the court and military, with one example being Sir John Craig of Abercorn in the 14th century.
Today, Craigs remains a common surname in Scotland. However, due to historical emigration, it is also found in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the highest concentration of people with the surname Craigs is in New York. Despite its Scottish origin, the worldwide distribution of the surname has made it relatively common in various regions.
Variations of the surname Craigs
The surname Craigs could be a variant of several different surnames due to regional discrepancies, transcription errors, or deliberate alterations. Some of these include Craig, Cragg, Crag, Crage, Krug, Craiges, and Craggs.
These variations may have originated from multiple places, including Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England. The surname itself may have derived from the Old Norse word "kragi," meaning a crag or rocks, usually used to indicate someone living near a steep or rugged cliff.
Craigs may also be a variant of the Scottish surname Craigie, known to denote a person from the place called Craigie in Perth and Ayrshire in Scotland.
The surnames Craig and Cragg are most common in Northern Ireland and Northern England, respectively. The surname Krug is more common in German-speaking regions, suggesting possible migration or familial links.
Please note that these surnames' relations and origins could vary greatly depending on individual family histories and migrating patterns. It’s always best to use genealogical research to trace your exact family lineage.
Remember, the spelling and pronunciation of surnames can significantly change over time and geographical space, leading to a wide variety of possible variations for each surname.
Famous people with the name Craigs
- Craig Ferguson: Scottish American television host, stand-up comedian, writer, and actor.
- Julianne Craig: American former event and race car driver.
- Daniel Craig: British actor, best known for playing James Bond in the eponymous series since 2006.
- Craig Newmark: American internet entrepreneur best known for being the founder of the classified advertisements website Craigslist.
- Una-May Winfield-Craig: English opera singer.
- David Craige: Scottish author and television presenter.
- Craig Riddle: American hiker, mountaineer, outdoor filmmaker and environmental activist.
- William Henry Craig: Cellist and composer.
- Jenilee Harrison: American actress best known for her roles as Cindy Snow on the television series Three’s Company and Jamie Ewing on the CBS series Dallas.
- Bryan Adams: Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, philanthropist and activist.