Craig

Origin and Meaning: Craig is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "creag" meaning "rock" or "crag". It is a toponymic surname, often given to someone who lived near a rocky outcrop or cliff.

History: The Craig surname has a long history in Scotland, with its roots traced back to the ancient Celtic tribes of the region. The surname is primarily found in Scotland, especially in areas such as Aberdeenshire, Fife, and Angus.

Notable People:

  • Sir James Craig (better known as Jimmy Craig), a Scottish politician and former Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
  • Daniel Craig, a British actor famous for his portrayal of James Bond in the film series.

Coat of Arms: The Craig family coat of arms typically features imagery symbolizing strength and resilience, such as a rocky outcrop or a heraldic shield. The colors and symbols may vary depending on the specific branch of the Craig family.

Modern Distribution: Today, the surname Craig is found not only in Scotland but also in other English-speaking countries such as England, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia. It has spread due to migration and colonization, with descendants of Craig families now living in various parts of the world.

Variants: Variants of the Craig surname include Cragg, Craik, and Craigg. These variations may have originated due to regional accents, dialects, or transcription errors over the centuries.

Legacy: The Craig surname continues to be a prominent and respected name in Scotland and beyond. With its rugged and evocative origins, the name Craig symbolizes fortitude, nature, and a connection to the land.

There are approximately 25,476 people named Craig in the UK. That makes it the 318th most common surname in Britain. Around 391 in a million people in Britain are named Craig.

Surname type: From given name or forename

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • 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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