Origin & Meaning of the Crawford Surname
What does the last name Crawford mean?
The surname Crawford carries the meaning "From a river crossing." 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 164,457 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Crawford ranks as the #156 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Crawford come from?
The Crawford 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 Crawford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Crawford 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 | Crawford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #156 |
| US Count (2010) | 164,457 |
| Per 100K People | 55.75 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Crawford
According to the US Census, the Crawford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 164,457 Americans with the Crawford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.56% |
| Black | 25.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.75% |
| Two or More Races | 2.3% |
Popularity of Crawford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Crawford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Crawford surname increased by 6,336 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crawford
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