Craib

Craib is a Scottish surname of ancient origin typically found in the northeastern regions of Scotland. The name is believed to be locational, deriving from the place-name Cray in the county of Perthshire.

Etymology

The etymology of the surname Craib is thought to be derived from the Old Gaelic word "craig," meaning 'rock' or 'crag,' which likely referred to a rocky or craggy area near where the original bearers of the name lived. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling evolved to the current form of Craib.

History

The first documented recording of the surname Craib dates back to the early 17th century in Scotland. The Craib family was known to have settled in the regions of Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire, where they were primarily involved in agricultural pursuits.

Distribution

The Craib surname is relatively rare, with the majority of individuals bearing the name still residing in Scotland, particularly in the areas surrounding Aberdeen. Nonetheless, some branches of the Craib family have migrated to other parts of the United Kingdom and even beyond.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the surname Craib include:

  • Peter Craib (b. 1950) - Scottish footballer who played for various clubs in the 1970s and 1980s.
  • Helen Craib (b. 1965) - British artist known for her intricate pencil drawings depicting wildlife.

Modern Variants

Variants of the surname Craib can include Craid, Craibe, Crey, and Craye, among others, reflecting the different spellings that may have emerged over time or due to regional accents.

In conclusion, the surname Craib is a distinctive Scottish surname with ancient roots in the northern parts of the country. While it may not be as prevalent as some other surnames, its historical significance and regional presence continue to be of interest to genealogists and historians.

There are approximately 712 people named Craib in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,584th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Craib.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Douglas
  • Duncan
  • George
  • Gordon
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Nicholas
  • William

Female

  • Ann
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Eve
  • Joan
  • Karen
  • Kirsty
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Phyllis
  • Susan
  • Tina

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