Cruise

Origins and Meaning

Cruise is a British surname of Norman-French origin, derived from the Old French word "crois" or "croise," meaning "cross." The name may have been a medieval nickname for a bearer of the sign of the cross.

Historical Significance

The surname Cruise has been recorded in English records since the Middle Ages. The earliest known reference to the name dates back to the 13th century in the Domesday Book of 1086, an ancient survey of England and Wales. The Cruise family has played a role in British history throughout the centuries.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Cruise is relatively rare in the United Kingdom. While it can be found throughout the country, concentrations of the name may exist in certain regions where particular branches of the family have settled.

Notable Individuals

Famous individuals who have borne the surname Cruise include:

  • Tom Cruise: An American actor with Irish ancestry, known for his roles in popular films such as "Top Gun," "Mission: Impossible," and "Jerry Maguire."

  • Penelope Cruz: A Spanish actress with Irish ancestry, known for her performances in films such as "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," "Volver," and "Vanilla Sky."

  • Michael Cruz: A British scientist and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of engineering.

Coat of Arms

The Cruise family coat of arms typically features heraldic symbols such as crosses, shields, or other imagery associated with the name's origin or history.

Modern Day

The surname Cruise remains a distinctive and evocative part of British heritage. While the name itself may not be as common as some other surnames, its unique history and connotations continue to be of interest to genealogists, historians, and those interested in British culture.

There are approximately 1,088 people named Cruise in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,918th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Cruise.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Amanda
  • Clare
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Rachel
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah

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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