Surname Crain - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Origins: The Impact of iGENEA DNA Test on My Perception of the Crain Heritage
Undertaking the iGENEA DNA test marked the dawn of a new understanding for me about who I am and where I come from. It shed light on unexplored aspects of my genetic heritage and offered a new perspective on my family's surname, 'Crain'. This name, which I have always associated with myself, gained a layered significance that goes beyond the simple identifier it once was.
C. Crain
read moreCrain: What does the surname Crain mean?
The last name Crain is of English origin and derives from an old English pre 7th century word "cran" which means "crane." This surname was likely a nickname originally given to tall, thin individuals who proverbially resembled a crane, which is a tall, long-legged bird. Additionally, it could have been used as an occupational name for someone who operated a crane, a medieval lifting device. The surname Crain was first found in Suffolk in the east of England which is where the family held a family seat from very ancient times. Over the centuries, this surname was seen in various forms including Crane, Cranes, Craine, and others. As with many surnames, the meaning and origins of Crain could have evolved or have regional differences.
Order DNA origin analysisCrain: Where does the name Crain come from?
The surname Crain is of old Scottish, English, and Irish origin. It derived from the personal name Crane or Craine, which is related to the name of the bird, crane. Some sources suggest it was a nickname for a tall, thin person who resembles a crane. In ancient English and Scottish, it could also have occupational roots, referring to individuals who operated a crane in ports or building sites.
In Ireland, Crain is linked to the Gaelic Mac Gréagáin clan in County Westmeath. The name is Anglicized as MacGrane, McCrann, or Crain.
Today, the Crain surname is most common in the United States, especially in the southern region. According to Forebears, a genealogical data site, in 2014, Texas had the highest number of individuals with the Crain surname. It is also somewhat common in Australia and Canada. However, its prevalence is relatively low in its countries of origin, like Scotland, England, and Ireland. Its global ranking for prevalence is highest in the United States.
Variations of the surname Crain
The surname Crain has numerous variants and spellings, sometimes even among the members of the same family, and especially in times when spelling was not yet standardized. Variations of the surname Crain include Cram, Crane, Craine, Crain, Crayn, Cranie, Craynes, Crayen, Crayne, Craynne, and Crien.
Some of these spellings are the result of voice dictation to scribes who recorded it as they heard it. Thus, the name could vary according to the regional accents and dialects.
This surname is mainly of English origin, although there are separate, unrelated instances of a surname "Crane" occurring in Germany (spelled "Kran" or "Kranz") and in French (as "Grue").
The original bearers of the surname Crain most likely gained their name due to their association with crane birds, either because they lived in places inhabited by cranes, or because they had a tall, thin stature or a long neck, reminiscent of a crane. In medieval times, surnames often evolved as a way to sort people into groups by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, or personal characteristics.
Some famous people with the surname Crain include American actress Jeanne Crain, Choctaw Nation politician Robert Crain, and American professional wrestler Crain Kanyon.
Famous people with the name Crain
- Jeanne Crain: An American actress famous in the 1940s and 1950s, nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Pinky.
- Susan Crain Bakos: An American author with over fifteen nonfiction books, she wrote novels in the genre of erotica and is known for her pieces in top publications like the New York Times.
- Adie Suehsdorf Crain: Renown author of children's books, she won several awards including the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award.
- Steve Crain: Composer and pianist whose music ranges from solo piano to symphonic works.
- Yuna Crain: Japanese-Canadian figure skater, known for her artistic performance and technical skills.
- Megan Crain: An associate editor at Martha Stewart weddings, contributing to the magazine's style section and website.
- William H. Crain: He was a United States Representative from Texas occupying the position until his death.
- Lindy Oscar Crain: An American football player who played one season with the New York Giants of the National Football League.
- Rance Howard Crain: Rance is the president, owner and editorial director of Crain Communications, a publishing company.
- Amanda Crain: A distinct Australian actress, Amanda has graced several local and international platforms with her work. Additionally, the name "Crain" is also commonly found among notable fictitious characters, such as Dr. Niles Crane and Dr. Frasier Crane from the popular sitcom "Frasier".