CROSSLEY
Crossley
Crossley is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old Norse word kross meaning "cross" and the Old English word leah meaning "wood" or "clearing". The combination of these words suggests that the original bearer of the Crossley surname may have lived near a cross symbol or crossroads in a wood or clearing.
The earliest recorded instance of the Crossley surname dates back to the 12th century in Yorkshire, England. Over the centuries, the name has spread to various parts of the UK and beyond due to migration and the diaspora of British individuals.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Crossley include Sir Kenneth Crossley (1872–1953), a British businessman and founder of Crossley Motors, a manufacturer of cars, buses, and military vehicles; John Crossley (1772–1837), a British carpet manufacturer and philanthropist known for his contributions to education and social reform in Halifax, England; and Jim Crossley (b. 1985), a British professional rugby player who has represented England at the international level.
Today, the surname Crossley continues to be found primarily in the United Kingdom, particularly in the northern regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, as well as in countries with historical connections to Britain such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. The name carries a sense of heritage and history, reflecting the longstanding presence of the Crossley family in the British Isles.
There are approximately 11,373 people named Crossley in the UK. That makes it the 805th most common surname in Britain. Around 175 in a million people in Britain are named Crossley.
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
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Janet
- Jean
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.