Surname Crispe - Meaning and Origin

Crispe: What does the surname Crispe mean?

The surname Crispe is of English origin and is derived from the Old English "crespe," which means “curly,” “crinkled,” or "wavy." It was most likely used as a nickname in medieval times for individuals with curly or wavy hair. It is also possible that it was used nominatively to refer to someone who made a specific type of crinkled textile. Over time, it evolved into a surname. It's important to remember that surnames can be influenced by various factors, such as the profession of an individual, a descriptive characteristic, or the place they resided. Thus, the meaning of a surname can vary based on its historical and geographical context.

Crispe: Where does the name Crispe come from?

The surname Crispe is of English origin, dating back to medieval times. The name derives from the Old English word "crespe" or Old French word "crespe", both meaning "curly". It was typically given as a nickname for someone with curly hair. Some variations of the surname include Crisp, Crispe, Chrisp, Crispp, and Crispey. There are even examples of Latinized forms such as Crispus and Crispianus.

Records from the 1881 UK Census show that the surname Crispe predominantly existed in Kent and London areas. The mid-19th century experienced a wave of emigration from Britain to the colonies, and as a result, the Crispe surname can be found today in other countries such as Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. However, the surname Crispe remains rare and uncommon, with the highest concentration still residing in England.

Variations of the surname Crispe

The surname "Crispe" originates from old French "cresp" or "crespe," meaning "curly". Variants and spellings for this surname can differ significantly based on the region or country of origin. Variants include Crisp, Crispi, Crispin, and Crispy. Other variants found include Chrisp and Krisp in English-speaking countries, Cresp and Crespi in Mediterranean regions, and Kräsp in German-speaking regions.

The surname can also be found with an additional 'e' at the end in English-speaking countries, leading to forms like Crispee, Crispey, and Chrispey. In some cases, it might also be attached with prefixes, generating surnames like DeCrispe, DiCrispi, or VonCrisp.

One should note, the spelling of surnames was not standardized until the late 19th and early 20th century, so it was common for a single individual to have his name recorded multiple ways throughout his life. As such, historical records can contain multiple versions of the same surname.

Please note, Crispin and its variants are originally from "Crispinus", a Latin personal name. They were often confused with Crispe and its versions due to phonetic similarities. Incorrect translations and transcriptions might have led to more variation and confusion over time.

Famous people with the name Crispe

• Richard Styles Crispe, also known as R.S. Crispe, was a well-known American football coach from the late 19th century and early 20th century.
• Toby Crispe is a British filmmaker, writer, and director, who has worked on several short films such as "Kisses and Killers" and "Emerald City."
• Nicholas Crispe was a significant Royalist during the time of Charles I in England. He was a prominent merchant and Member of Parliament, as well as a key figure in founding the Royal African Company.
• Ellinor Crispe was a key figure in British history, known for gifting Cheeseman's Manor to the endowment of King's College, Cambridge.
• Samuel Crispe, was an important figure in medical history, awarded the Gold Medal in 1815 and later appointed Physician to the London Fever Hospital.
• Essex Crispe was a judge of assize in England during the Tudor period. Note that the Crispe surname is not particularly common, nor is it associated with many modern celebrities, but it does have some historical significance.

Other surnames

Crisp