Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
BANCROFT
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Local) From the Cor. Br. ban, a mount, hill, or high ground; and croft, a small field near a dwelling--a green pasture.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English