Surname Crane - Meaning and Origin
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Unravelling My Identity: How the iGENEA DNA Test Shaped my Perception of the Crane Surname
The iGENEA DNA test, a crucial tool in today's genetic genealogy, has tapped into my ancient roots, revealing the personal relevance of Scandinavian Viking heritage beneath the English surname Crane. This discovery has reshaped my understanding of my family background and heritage while instilling a deeper sense of rootedness and curiosity.
W. Crane
read moreCrane: What does the surname Crane mean?
The last name Crane is of Old English origin and is derived from the bird of the same name. It is believed to have been a nickname for a tall, thin person who resembled the long-legged, long-necked bird. The name could also be derived from the Old English word "cranuc," which means "crane," and was possibly used to identify someone living in a place with notable crane population. In some cases, the surname may have come from an inn or house sign featuring the image of a crane. The crane was held in high regard in medieval times, often symbolizing vigilance. Hence, it was a popular image on heraldry and inn signs, which led to it being adopted as a surname. It is also possible that it is an occupational name for someone who operated a crane for lifting heavy goods. Like many surnames, Crane may have multiple origins and interpretations.
Order DNA origin analysisCrane: Where does the name Crane come from?
The surname Crane is of English origin and is derived from the Old English "cran" which means "Crane" (the bird). The name was probably used as a nickname in medieval times for a tall, thin man or someone with long legs, resembling a crane. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational name for a crane operator.
It was in the early British history that the Crane family created their family seat in Suffolk. Some of the earliest records of the Crane surname come from this eastern part of England. The Crane family was a major contributor to the development of the British society prior to their emigration to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the British Empire.
Today, the surname Crane is most common in the United States, followed by England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, according to the distribution of the Crane surname by Forebears. In the United States, the name is most commonly found in Texas, California, and New York. It is particularly common in the Northeast region of the country.
Variations of the surname Crane
The surname Crane is of English origin and has several variants and spelling alterations. Some of the notable ones include Crain, Craine, Cren, Crayne, Krayn, Cryne, Crayn, and Kren. This surname could also have been spelled phonetically in historical records, which may result in a diverse collection of Crane surname variants.
Sometimes, the surname Crane may be preceded by "de," "le," or "von," which are locational indicators used in many European countries. So, "de Crane," "le Crane," or "von Crane" can also be possible versions of the surname, depending on the country of origin. Also, compound or double-barrelled surnames including Crane, such as Crane-Smith or Crane-Jones, may exist.
In terms of family names that share the same root or have the same voguish elements, names like Krane, Cramer, Carne, Craine, and Craner also trace back to similar etymological origins as they denote occupation, a feature, or location like the name Crane (bird, mechanical device or a location). However, cultural and linguistic alterations over the centuries might have resulted in these names being recognized as separate surnames now. These surnames can be found in different forms in different countries and cultures.
Famous people with the name Crane
- Bob Crane: An American actor, especially known for his role as Colonel Robert E. Hogan in the sitcom "Hogan's Heroes".
- Stephen Crane: An influential American author who wrote the Civil War classic "The Red Badge of Courage".
- Hart Crane: An American poet, best known for his long poem "The Bridge".
- Conrad Crane: Noted military historian and retired US Army officer.
- Ichabod Crane: Fictional character from Washington Irving's story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". He's not a real person, but the name Ichabod Crane has become well known.
- Cheryl Crane: Daughter of actress Lana Turner, notable for killing her mother's lover in a case that attracted widespread media attention.
- Charles Crane: American businessman, remembered primarily for his role in American foreign policy in the early 20th century.
- Robert K. Crane: An American biochemist who contributed to the discovery of sodium-glucose cotransport: the mechanism that allows glucose to be absorbed in the small intestine.
- Jasper Crane: One of the founders of Newark, New Jersey.