Surname Craw - Meaning and Origin
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Craw: What does the surname Craw mean?
The surname Craw is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English or Gaelic term "Cróga", which means "brave or bold". Its root can also be linked to the word "Crow", referring to the bird, either as a nickname for someone resembling the bird or a person who had adopted a stylized version of the crow as their heraldic emblem. It was initially used as a personal name before transitioning into a surname. This name was especially prevalent in the region of Aberdeenshire in Scotland. Variations of this surname include Crawe, Crae, and others. Like many old surnames, specific meanings can shift and change over time and geography. So, while the historical associations are largely synonymous with bravery and boldness or reference to the bird, the present day significance of the surname largely serves as a form of identification and denotes a lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisCraw: Where does the name Craw come from?
The surname Craw is of Scottish origin and is prevalent in Scotland, specifically in areas like Aberdeen. The name is considered to be derived from the Scottish word "Craw," meaning "Crow." This would suggest it likely originated as a nickname given to an individual who bore a certain resemblance or connection to this bird, possibly indicating traits like wisdom or foresight. It is also believed that the name could have been a locational surname, referring to people who lived by crow-infested areas. This surname spread to other countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia through Scottish immigrants. Today, the name Craw can still be commonly found in these countries, though the largest concentration continues to be in Scotland.
Variations of the surname Craw
The surname Craw comes from a variety of sources and it may have changed over time due to cultural, geographical, or linguistic influences. Some major variants of the surname Craw include Crawl, Crawe, Craa, Craws, Craaw, Crawd, and Crawf. Some additional alternate spellings could be Kra, Kraw, Krav, or Kraws.
Furthermore, the surname Craw could potentially originate from various cultures and regions. From the Scottish or Irish origins, the surname Craw could be a variant of McCraw, McCrae, or MacCraw. The surname Craw might also be related to the ancient surname Crawshaw from England which means 'crow-wood'.
In German culture, the equivalent surname would be Krahe or Krähe (meaning crow). In Dutch, the similar surname would be Kraai. In Nordic cultures, the surname could potentially originate from or be related to the surname Kråka.
It is also worth noting that the surname Craw could have emerged independently in different cultures, leading to multiple unrelated lineages with the same or similar surnames. It always requires specific genealogical research to trace back the origin and history of a person carrying the surname Craw.
Famous people with the name Craw
- Baron Craw: Scottish rugby union player who represented Scotland in the first ever international rugby union game in 1871.
- Sarah Craw: Australian paralympic athlete who won gold in the javelin event during the 2004 Summer Paralympics.
- Sam Craw: South African athlete who won a silver medal in the 400 metres at the 2003 World Championships in Athletics.
- Dudley Craw: Canadian politician who served as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and President of the Executive Council of Newfoundland and Labrador from 1948 to 1949.
- Peter Craw: English jockey who won more than 250 races at a professional level over a span of 20 years.
- McKayla Craw: American beauty pageant winner who was crowned Miss Utah in 2018.
- Debra Craw: Bermudan artist whose works blend her professional background in accounting and her passion for art.
- Ray Craw: Australian sportsman who represented Australia in football and cricket between 1919 and 1939.
- David Craw: New Zealand politician who is a current member of the New Zealand Parliament from the Labour Party.
- Gail Craw: American hockey player who is best known for being a former competitor at the National Women’s Hockey League.