Surname Craufurd - Meaning and Origin

Craufurd: What does the surname Craufurd mean?

The surname Craufurd, also spelled as Crawford, is of Scottish origin and has a rich historical tradition. This surname is derived from the barony of the same name in Lanark county, on the right bank of the Clyde, Scotland. The name itself is believed to be of Old English origin, derived from "crawa", meaning "crow", and "ford", which translates to "fording a river". Therefore, the name is generally interpreted as meaning "ford of the crows" or "crow’s ford", possibly referring to a specific location where crows gathered or could often be seen. Over the centuries, it has been used by various noble and distinguished families, and it remains a prominent surname in Scotland and other parts of the world where Scottish diaspora have settled.

Craufurd: Where does the name Craufurd come from?

The surname Craufurd is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Old English words, 'Crane' and 'Ford,' meaning 'ford with cranes.' The name was first established in Lanarkshire, an area in the central belt Scotland, by the Norman knight, Reginald, son of the Earl of Richmond who was granted the lands of Crawford.

The spelling has gone through several variations over centuries, with "Crawford" becoming the more commonly adopted version. Notable people bearing the surname include the Craufurd baronets, a line of Scottish nobility, and the military leader Robert Craufurd.

Today, the surname, either as "Craufurd" or the more popular "Crawford," is commonly found in Scotland, England, Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. In the United States, it appears most densely populated in the states of Texas, California, and Ohio. Despite its changes in spelling, the name continues to be proud of its rich Scottish ancestry.

Variations of the surname Craufurd

The surname Craufurd is believed to have originated from Scotland and is derived from an old barony with the same name. Various other spellings and variations of this name have existed throughout history. There are several ways to spell the surname, including Crawford, Crawfurd, Crawfford, Crawforth and Crowford. Other relatively close variants may include Craford, Crofford, Croford, Croforth and even Crowfurth.

Some of the variants are attributed to regional dialects, literacy levels and pronunciation habits over the years. For example, native speakers of Scots, a close relative of English, might have had some impact on how the name transpired.

It is also important to note that the use of "u" instead of "w" in Craufurd might indicate the surname's antiquity, as spelling reforms and standardizations could have turned old "u"s into modern "w"s.

These spellings, although varied, are all believed to be derived from the same origin. Additionally, the different spellings might have created several different branches of the Craufurd family, each identifiable by its unique spelling of the surname. These variants have been used interchangeably throughout the centuries, based on the individual's personal preference or regional custom.

Famous people with the name Craufurd

• Quintin Craufurd: An 18th-century British author and literary patron.
• James Craufurd, Lord Ardmillan: A 19th-century Scottish judge.
• Charles Craufurd: A British general during the Napoleonic Wars.
• Robert Craufurd: Known as Black Bob, he was a famous Major-General in the British army during the Peninsular War.
• George William Craufurd: A British Tory politician.
• Thomas Hartland Craufurd Mackenzie: A British rower who competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics.
• George John de Hautpoul Craufurd: A British Whig politician.
• Charles Craufurd Hay: A Major-General in the British Indian Army.
• Robert James Craufurd: British naval commander during the French Revolutionary Wars.
• John Craufurd, of Kilbirnie: A Scottish courtier and murder victim.
• Sir Alexander Craufurd, 1st Baronet: A Scottish politician and lawyer.
• George Crosby Craufurd: A British Army officer who played a significant role in the Second Anglo-Afghan War.
• Nehemiah Craufurd: An 18th-century poet known for his commentary on the works of Alexander Pope.
• Andrew Craufurd, of Dalmunzie: A 17th-century Scottish landowner and statesman.
• Sir Aymer de Craufurd: A 12th/13th-century Scottish magnate.
• Countess Katharina Craufurd: An Austrian lady-in-waiting and countess.

Other surnames

Craufuird