Creed

Creed is a surname of English origin deriving from the medieval personal name "Crida", which is of uncertain meaning but is believed to have Old English or Celtic origins. The surname Creed is classified as a metonymic surname, meaning it was originally derived from the occupation, distinguishing feature, or characteristic of the bearer.

Origins

The surname Creed is thought to have originated in the southern region of England, particularly in counties such as Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. The first recorded instance of the surname can be traced back to the early 13th century.

Variants

Variants of the surname Creed include Creede, Cread, and Creid.

Notable Bearers

Notable bearers of the surname Creed include:

  • Linda Creed (1948–1986): An American songwriter who co-wrote several hits, including "Betcha by Golly, Wow" and "The Greatest Love of All".
  • Frederick Hayes-Robinson Creed (1871–1957): A British military officer and engineer known for his work on telecommunications.

Legacy

The surname Creed has a rich history and has been borne by individuals across diverse fields, including literature, music, and engineering. It continues to be passed down through generations and remains a part of the cultural heritage of Britain.

References

  • Hanks, P., Coats of Arms, and Charny, A. (2002). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 3,265 people named Creed in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,783rd most common surname in Britain. Around 50 in a million people in Britain are named Creed.

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

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Jennifer
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Shirley
  • 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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