Surname Crosswhite - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Crosswhite: What does the surname Crosswhite mean?
The surname Crosswhite is believed to have Anglo-Saxon origins, likely deriving from pre-7th-century England. The name could potentially be a compound of the words "cross" and "white," possibly referring to a landmark such as a white cross. Characteristically, many English surnames originate from geographical features, trade or job names, or descriptions of an individual or their family. The exact origins and meaning of the name Crosswhite, however, are uncertain as the individual terms could have various interpretations in old English context. For instance, "cross" could refer to a monument, intersection or religious symbol and "white" might mean bright, fair, or pure. This surname appears in the United States frequently, possibly carried by immigrants from the British Isles. Despite its frequent use, its precise etymological background remains unclear.
Order DNA origin analysisCrosswhite: Where does the name Crosswhite come from?
The surname Crosswhite is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from a place named with the Old English elements "cros," meaning "cross," and "hwit," interpreted as "white." This surname might have referred to someone living near a pale or notable cross. The Crosswhite surname is distinctly linked to certain regions in England, and then it spread globally through migration and colonization. Today, the Crosswhite surname is still found most frequently in the United States, according to Forebears' global surname distribution data. Some concentrations are also found in Australia and New Zealand. Inside the US, the states with the most Crosswhites are Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas. Please note that populations and concentrations can change over time due to various factors.
Variations of the surname Crosswhite
The surname Crosswhite is of Anglo-Saxon origin originating in the medieval times, particularly in the British Isles. Other potential spellings and surname variations can include Crosswythe, Croswithe, Crosswithe, Crossewhite, Crosswhitt, and perhaps Crosswight.
The name could potentially be derived from the Old Norse "kross" or Old English "croes" which both mean "cross", and Old Norse "hvitr" or Old English "hwit" meaning "white". This suggests that the surname may have originally been a medieval nickname or a locational surname, describing a person who lived near a white cross or a light-colored crossroads. Therefore, other related surnames may follow a similar naming pattern, connecting a color with a geographical feature or object.
However, due to changes in language and spelling over time, the recording of the surname in church registers, censuses, and other historical documents may vary greatly. Therefore, tracing exact surname variants can be complex and subjective. As a relatively uncommon name, Crosswhite may not have as many variants compared to more prevalent surnames.
Famous people with the name Crosswhite
The last name Crosswhite isn't particularly common among famous personalities. However, it is connected to an important historical figure: Anthony Crosswhite, who is known for his involvement in the Crosswhite Affair, a significant event in the history of the Underground Railroad and slavery in the United States. Another notable person with the surname Crosswhite is Henry Crosswhite, who was a former professional basketball player. He played for Raleigh's Capitals during the 1940s. Bryan Crosswhite is the founder of 2AO, an organization focused on Second Amendment rights. Lastly, Kyle Crosswhite is a fairly well-known nature and wildlife photographer, although his fame is more niche and specific to photography circles. Outside these personalities, it is challenging to find any globally recognized figures with the surname Crosswhite.