Surname Cratty - Meaning and Origin
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Cratty: What does the surname Cratty mean?
The surname Cratty is of Scottish origin, derived from MacCrathy or MacCarthy, which later transformed to Cratty. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Carthaigh, where "Mac" means "son of" and "Carthaigh" comes from "carthach" meaning "loving". Therefore, the name can be loosely interpreted to mean "son of the loving one". It is typically associated with families belonging to south-west Ireland, particularly county Kerry. However, the Cratty variation is most common in the United States, likely brought over by Irish and Scottish immigrants. Names being altered or simplified when immigrating was a common practice. In general, surnames often signified a characteristic trait, occupation, or kinship line.
Order DNA origin analysisCratty: Where does the name Cratty come from?
The surname Cratty is believed to have Irish origins, possibly derived from Ó Crótaigh, meaning "descendant of Crótach." Crótach implies someone who is hunchbacked or has a distinguishing mark. The Cratty surname may also have descended from MacCráith, another old Irish surname commonly anglicized as McGrath or McCrath.
Historically, the surname had multiple spellings such as Cratty, Crattee, Craddee, and more due to the phonetic transcription from the Gaelic language during the colonisation of Ireland by the English. Its original bearers likely lived in County Tipperary or Clare, where the surname was common.
Today, the surname Cratty is not very prevalent. Most bearers of the Cratty surname are found in the United States, specifically in the region of Pennsylvania. It can also be found, albeit less commonly, in Ireland, Canada, and Australia. Although the surname has spread beyond its original homeland, it isn't considered common in these countries either.
Variations of the surname Cratty
The surname Cratty has Irish origins, and like many Irish surnames, it has various spelling variations due to the phonetic translations from Gaelic to English over the years. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic "O'Crótaigh", which was anglicised to Cratty and essentially means descendant of the humped one.
Other variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Craty, Crattie, Cratie, Cratt, O’Cratty, Craddie, Craddy, Cradie, and Cradd. Additionally, similar surnames in terms of sound and sometimes origin include Crotty, Croatty, Croty, and Cratty.
However, it is important to remember that the evolution of a surname depends highly on regional dialects, local enunciation, and individual choices, meaning that variants may exist that do not perfectly align with the standard spelling conventions.
Due to the migration and settling of Irish families across UK and USA, another similar form of surnames can be Crafty and Craftie which could have been derived from the same Gaelic origin but varies due to dialect changes. Regardless, further research is necessary to fully identify and confirm all possible variants and their origins as one's surname.
Famous people with the name Cratty
- Kendall Cratty: veteran actress of the 50s and 60s who appeared in films and television including 'Perry Mason'
- Jack Cratty: American stage actor who made his Broadway debut in 'The Front Page' in 1928
- Stephen Cratty: Irish-American lawyer, most notably as the first person to file a “discovery” motion against a large oil company over a toxic chemical spill
- Stuart Cratty: Scottish football manager for a number of teams in the 1950s and 60s
- John Cratty: American actor from the 1930s, known for his role in the film, 'Trouble in Paradise'
- Mike Cratty: a professional bodybuilder who participated in several competitions in the 70s and 80s, such as IFBB Mr. Universe
- Rick Cratty: Canadian actor from the 1980s, remembered for his roles in television shows like 'The High Side'
- Adelaide Cratty: American opera singer and teacher, considered the "matriarch of voice lessons" in the early 20th century
- Ed Cratty: member of the United States Navy during World War I and II, noted for his many years of service
- James Cratty: Canadian-American composer and jazz pianist from the 20th century