CROSS
Cross
Origin and Meaning The surname Cross is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word cros, which means "cross." This surname is occupational in nature and is likely to have been originally used to denote someone who lived near a cross symbol or crossroads, or who made crosses for churches or religious purposes.
History The use of the Cross surname can be traced back to medieval England, where individuals with this name were often associated with positions such as woodworkers, builders of crosses, or those who lived near a prominent cross in a village.
Distribution The surname Cross is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. Over time, individuals bearing the surname have migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
- Charles Edward Cross (1832-1856): A British soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Crimean War.
- Dorothy Cross (b. 1956): An Irish contemporary artist known for her sculpture and photography.
- Marion Cross (1917-1995): A British actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the mid-20th century.
Variants Variants of the surname Cross include Crosse, Croce, and Croz. These variations may have originated from different dialects or spelling variations over the centuries.
In summary, the surname Cross holds historical significance in England and has been passed down through generations. Its origins can be traced back to occupations and locations associated with crosses, and several notable individuals have borne this surname throughout history.
There are approximately 37,494 people named Cross in the UK. That makes it the 198th most common surname in Britain. Around 576 in a million people in Britain are named Cross.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- 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.