Crisp

Crisp is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "criste," meaning curly or crisp. The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone with curly hair or a lively personality.

Notable Individuals

Sir Nicholas Crisp (born 1599 – died 1666)

Sir Nicholas Crisp was an English royalist and Member of Parliament during the English Civil War. He was a wealthy merchant and a fervent supporter of King Charles I.

Quentin Crisp (born 1908 – died 1999)

Quentin Crisp was an English writer, actor, and raconteur, known for his distinctive style and open advocacy for gay rights. He gained international recognition for his memoir "The Naked Civil Servant."

Distribution

The surname Crisp is most common in England, particularly in the eastern counties of Suffolk and Norfolk. However, Crisps can also be found in other English-speaking countries, including Australia, the United States, and Canada.

Coat of Arms

The Crisp family coat of arms features a gold shield with a blue bar charged with three silver crosses. The crest depicts a golden eagle displayed.

Trivia

  • The Crisp family motto is "Virtute non vi" (By virtue, not by force).
  • The name "Crisp" was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, suggesting its early origins in England.

The surname Crisp carries a rich history and is borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, reflecting the diverse achievements of those who bear the name.

There are approximately 7,336 people named Crisp in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,272nd most common surname in Britain. Around 113 in a million people in Britain are named Crisp.

Surname type: Nickname

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
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Deborah
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • 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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