Allcroft

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːlkrɒft/

Origin: English

Meaning: Allcroft is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English elements ealh, meaning "temple" or "shrine", and croft, meaning "enclosure" or "small farm". Therefore, the surname Allcroft likely referred to someone who lived near or worked in or around a temple or shrine.

History:

The Allcroft surname has ancient roots in England, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the medieval period. Variants of the name, such as Alcroft and Alcraft, can also be found in historical records. The name is primarily concentrated in the West Midlands region of England, particularly in Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

Notable Individuals:

  • Alice Emily Allcroft (1865–1940): An English novelist and playwright known for her works that often depicted the life and society of the Victorian era.
  • Thomas Allcroft (1824–1912): A prominent British industrialist and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the development of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent.

Modern Distribution:

Today, the surname Allcroft is relatively uncommon and is found primarily in the United Kingdom and former British colonies such as Australia and Canada. The name continues to be passed down through generations, carrying with it a rich history and heritage.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2011). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 351 people named Allcroft in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Allcroft.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alistair
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Neil
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Tony

Female

  • Amanda
  • Denise
  • Elaine
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Louise
  • Lynn
  • Maria
  • Michelle
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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