HOLCROFT
Holcroft
Holcroft is an English surname of Old Norse origin, believed to have been brought to Britain during the Viking invasions of the 8th to 11th centuries. The surname is derived from the combination of the Old Norse personal name "Halli" and the word "kroft", meaning a small enclosed field or paddock.
Origins:
The earliest known recording of the surname Holcroft dates back to the 12th century in Lancashire, where the family held a seat. Over the centuries, the Holcroft family spread to various regions of Britain, including Cheshire, Yorkshire, and beyond.
Notable Individuals:
- Thomas Holcroft (1745-1809): An English dramatist, novelist, and translator known for his works in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
- Margaret Holcroft (1906-1986): A British botanist and environmentalist noted for her contributions to ecological research.
Crest and Coat of Arms:
The Holcroft family crest typically features symbols such as a stag, symbolising peace and harmony, and a wheat sheaf, representing abundance and prosperity. The coat of arms consists of various elements signifying the family's values and history.
Present Day:
Today, the surname Holcroft is relatively rare but can still be found in various parts of Britain and the world due to migration and globalisation. Descendants of the family continue to honour their heritage through genealogy research and family reunions.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Holcroft Family History. Retrieved from www.holcroftname.com
There are approximately 1,259 people named Holcroft in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,173rd most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named Holcroft.
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
- Alan
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Carol
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Gemma
- Jane
- Janet
- Kerry
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Sheila
- Susan