Origin & Meaning of the Cranston Surname
What does the last name Cranston mean?
The surname Cranston carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,200 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cranston ranks as the #10,072 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cranston come from?
The Cranston surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cranston name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cranston trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cranston |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,072 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,200 |
| Per 100K People | 1.08 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cranston
According to the US Census, the Cranston surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,200 Americans with the Cranston last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.25% |
| Black | 6.38% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.84% |
| Native American | 0.59% |
| Two or More Races | 1.56% |
Popularity of Cranston Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cranston surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cranston surname increased by 72 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Cranston Family
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- ✓ The Cranston coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Cranston
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cranston.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cranston.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranston
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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