Crawford Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Crawford come from? What does the surname Crawford mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Crawford and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Crawford Origin: What does the last name Crawford mean?
Crawford is a surname of English and Scottish origins, originating from a locative name possibly derived from a place name composed of the Old English elements crƒÅwe, Scots Craw ("crow"), and ford ("ford"). Examples of such place names include Crawford in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, Crawford in Dorset, England, and Crawford in Lancashire, England. The surname is most likely derived from the Scottish place name and may also be a variant of Crowfoot, a surname derived from a nickname. Early examples of the surname Crawford include John de Crauford in 1147–1160 in Scotland, Galfridus de Crauford in 1188–1202 in Scotland, and Nicolaus de Crauford in 1205 in England. The given name Crawford, typically a masculine name, is derived from the surname.
YourRoots data confirms that the Crawford surname has been present in the United Kingdom since the early 11th century. The frequency of the Crawford surname increased significantly in Scotland from the 11th to the 16th century. By the 17th century, the surname began to spread to the United States, and it has continued to be recorded more frequently in the US in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Today, the Crawford surname can be found not only in the United States and the United Kingdom but also in various countries worldwide, reflecting its global spread and
Crawford Last Name History: Where did the last name Crawford come from?
Origin of Crawford Surname: Where does the last name Crawford originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Crawford first made its appearance in records from Scotland in the United Kingdom around the beginning of the 11th century. This information is based solely on the exact spelling of "Crawford" in the YourRoots database and does not include other possible sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Crawford: What does the Crawford surname history look like in the early days?
Closely tied to Scotland for its initial centuries, the Crawford surname saw a significant increase in frequency in the country from the 11th to the 16th century according to YourRoots data. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of the Crawford surname began to rise in the United States, indicating the start of its spread across the globe.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Crawford surname today?
Starting from the 17th century, the Crawford surname has been recorded more frequently in the United States, and this trend has continued into the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Today, the Crawford surname can be found not only in the United States and the United Kingdom but also in various countries around the world, reflecting its global spread.
Explore Crawford last name heritage and Crawford surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Crawford Surame?
Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford (born Lucille Fay LeSueur; Mar 23, 190? – May 10, 1977) was an iconic American actress known for her "rags-to-riches" roles in Hollywood during the 1930s. Crawford's career spanned decades, from her start as a dancer on Broadway to becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in the U.S. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Mildred Pierce" in 1945. Though her personal life was tumultuous, Crawford's legacy as a Hollywood star and businesswoman continues to captivate audiences today.
Cindy Crawford
Cynthia Ann Crawford (born Feb 20, 1966) is an American model who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. She graced countless magazine covers and runways, becoming one of the most popular supermodels of her time. Crawford also ventured into acting and business, making a name for herself beyond the fashion world. Her diverse ancestry includes German, English, and French roots, with ties to European nobility and even Charlemagne. Known for her timeless beauty and iconic presence, Crawford continues to inspire generations with her talent and grace.
Johnny Crawford
John Ernest Crawford (March 26, 1946 – April 29, 2021) was an American actor and singer known for his role as Mark McCain in the popular series "The Rifleman." Starting as a child actor, he gained fame with American teenagers in the late 1950s and 1960s. Crawford also had a successful recording career with several Billboard Top 40 hits. Beyond acting, he led the California-based Johnny Crawford Orchestra, performing at special events. Crawford's career spanned from his early days as one of Disney's original Mouseketeers to his final role in the 2019 Western film "Bill Tilghman and the Outlaws."
Christina Crawford
Christina Crawford (June 11, 1939 - ) is an American former author and actress best known for her 1978 memoir, "Mommie Dearest," where she detailed the alleged abuse by her adoptive mother, film star Joan Crawford. Christina had a career in acting, appearing in various productions and TV programs. After her mother's death in 1977, she and her brother contested the will, leading to a settlement from Joan Crawford's estate. Despite controversy surrounding her memoir, Christina's story shed light on her difficult relationship with her famous mother.
Lavell Crawford
Lavell Maurice Crawford (born Nov 11, 1968) is an American comedian and actor best known for his role as Huell Babineaux in "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul." He has also appeared in various comedic roles on TV shows like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "Tosh.0." Crawford's stand-up comedy has earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album. Despite struggles with weight, he underwent gastric sleeve surgery and successfully lost over 200 pounds. With a vibrant career in comedy and acting, Crawford continues to entertain audiences with his unique humor and talent.
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