Surname Cranstoun - Meaning and Origin
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Cranstoun: What does the surname Cranstoun mean?
The last name Cranstoun is thought to have originated in Scotland, likely stemming from the Olde English terms “cran” and “tun,” meaning “crane town”. It is believed that this surname originated from a place name located within an area known as the “Forth”. The Forth is an area located in the Central Lowlands of Scotland. The name appears at least as far back as 1238 when Sir Ingram de Cranston was recorded in the Ragman Rolls. The earliest known occurrence of the name in Scotland was in 1375, when it was recorded in Stirling.
Over the centuries, the Cranstoun name has been modified in various ways and seen in many variants, such as Cranstoun, Cranston, Cranstons, Kranstons, Kranstoun, and Cranstonn. The name Cranstoun today is mainly found in North America, with the largest populations located in the United Kingdom and Canada. There are also smaller populations in Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world.
Cranstoun is a relatively rare surname that speaks to its deep Scottish roots. It is thought to reflect the strength of family and a prominent place of belonging, likely originating with a long-established family that flourished in a particular area in Scotland. Despite its apparent rarity, the name Cranstoun is seen in many different forms and can be found all around the world today.
Order DNA origin analysisCranstoun: Where does the name Cranstoun come from?
The last name Cranstoun is most closely associated with Scotland today. Derived from the middle English word "crane" and the concept of a settlement, the surname was first noted in Scotland in the early 13th century. The most notable Cranstoun family of that time were lords of the barony of Cranstoun.
The name is most common in Scotland, although there are also Cranstouns in Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Australia, and the United States. In Scotland, records indicate that the surname appears across the whole of the country, and can be found in the counties of Fife, Angus, and Aberdeen.
In the United States, the surnames is suggested to have immigrated from Scotland, primarily in the New York and Pennsylvania regions where early settlers brought along their Scottish customs and surnames. It is also occasionally found in the Mid-Atlantic region and the west coast. Canada is listed as the third-largest population of Cranstouns, with members mostly residing in the eastern provinces.
The presence of the surname across the world speaks to its Scottish origins over 800 years ago. Though the original Cranstoun family lost control of the barony of Cranstoun in 1520, members of the clan are still found in Scotland and across the world.
Variations of the surname Cranstoun
The surname Cranstoun is a Scottish surname of probable territorial origin, referring to a location in Midlothian, Scotland. It is thought to stem from the old British word "cran" which means "crane," which is the bird found in Scotland. Variants of the surname Cranstoun include Cranston, Cranestone, Cranstoune, Crisantoun, Cranstonne, MacCrinstoun, MacCrinston, and MacCranstoun.
Spellings of Cranstoun include Cranston, Cranstoun, Cranstoune, Cranstonne, Crenstoun, Cransten, Cransteane and Cranston.
The term 'Mac' before the surname is sometimes used by those with the same origin, signifying their family was of Scottish origin. Variants with the prefix 'Mac' include MacCrinstoun, MacCrinston and MacCranstoun.
As Cranstoun is a territorial surname, other names with the same origin have evolved over time including Creston, Cristen, and Criton.
Although the surname Cranstoun is not as common today as it once was, it still has some usage in Scotland, especially in rural areas. The surname is still popular in the USA, particularly in the south, and many people with the surname today trace their roots back to Scotland and Ireland.
Famous people with the name Cranstoun
- Robert Cranstoun: 18th century Scottish politician
- John Cranstoun, 3rd Viscount of Cranstoun: British peer
- Alexander Cranstoun: 18th century Scottish historian and minister
- Andrew Cranstoun: London-based artist
- Jane W. Cranstoun: American author of fiction and non-fiction books
- John Cranstoun, 1st Viscount of Cranstoun: British army officer
- Angus Cranstoun: Aberdonian poet
- Alexander Cranstoun, 5th Earl of Dumfries: English nobleman
- Thomas Cranstoun: Scottish soldier and author
- Colin Cranstoun: Scottish artist
- John Cranstoun, 4th Viscount of Cranstoun: British peer
- Stuart Cranstoun: American author, actor and comedian
- Alexander Cranstoun, 2nd Earl of Dumfries: English nobleman
- Graham Cranstoun: British music critic and journalist
- Caroline Cranstoun: British film and television producer
- Anthony Cranstoun: British racing driver
- William Cranstoun: Scottish soldier