Surname critchlow - Meaning and Origin

critchlow: What does the surname critchlow mean?

The last name Critchlow is British and has an unclear origin, with some sources claiming it as Anglo-Saxon and others Cornish in origin. It is believed to have originated from the personal name ‘Crichalach’, derived from the Gaelic ‘crich’, meaning steep, and ‘lach’ meaning lake.

In Yorkshire, the Critchlow family is believed to have originated from Hebden near Halifax, and documentary evidence exists of the surname Critchlow in that area in the late 16th century. It is then believed to have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, specifically Scotland, with Critchlows being recorded in Aberdeen during the 18th century.

In the late 19th century, the surname Critchlow became more widely established in England. Scottish Critchlows became prominent in the trade and industry of Glasgow and west Scotland. In Ireland, Critchlows are again believed to have been British settlers, with the surname recorded in Londonderry and also in Dublin in the mid 19th century.

Most Critchlows today are thought to be found in northwest England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Although the origin of the name is unclear, the popularity of the surname is thought to be attributed to the Critchlows’ determination and hardiness in the face of difficulties and their strong sense of identity and pride in their family.

critchlow: Where does the name critchlow come from?

The last name Critchlow is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. It is likely of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is thought to derive from Old English cric-hlāwe, which literally meant “hillock sanctuary.” In the early modern period, the Critchlow family settled in the counties of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Shropshire and Wiltshire.

Today, Critchlow remains fairly common in the UK, particularly in England, and there is a solid presence in some of the other British Isles countries as well such as Scotland, Ireland and Wales. It’s also present in other parts of the world in areas such as Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Critchlow is the 4th most common last name in Australia and the 47th in New Zealand.

In the USA, the Critchlow surname is found mainly in the southern states of the East Coast. It is most easily found in states such as Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. Its presence is increasing in other parts of the U.S. as well, such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and California.

Variations of the surname critchlow

Critchlow is an English surname that has its roots in Old English. The earliest record of the name can be found in the 1086 Domesday Book, where it appears as Chriot. It is thought to have derived from the Old English pre 7th Century words 'cric' meaning 'hump' or 'crook' and 'hlaf', which translates to 'little hill'.

The Critchlow spelling of the name has been recorded in various forms throughout the centuries, especially in the Middle and Far Ages. In the 1300's the surname was recorded as Crictelawe and in the 1400's as Crytchloe. In 1511 its spelling was Cretchlow, and then in 1541 Chronlow. By the 1800's, the Critchlow spelling was common throughout England.

Variant spellings of the Critlow surname include: Crytchlowe, Crichtlow, Creetchlaw, Chrytelow, Critteelowe, Critchellow, Critlowe, Cretchlaw, Chronlow, Krittelow, Krytlof and Krytchlov.

The surname Critchlow is also found in other countries around the world, such as Scotland, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, United States and South Africa. Spellings may vary, for example: Krytchlev, Critchley, Kretchley, Critchlington, Chrytchlay and Crichlow.

Surnames that share the same origin as Critchlow include: Critchley, Creetchley, Krytchley, Krittelow, Krinchley, Critchley, Chrytelowe, Chritchell, Kretchlow, Crytchelow, Crytchley, Kritchlaw, Krichlow and Critchell.

Famous people with the name critchlow

• Stephen Critchlow: English actor
• William Critchlow Harris: notable architect
• Thomas Critchlow: British actor
• Edwin Critchlow: former English cricketer
• Mark Critchlow: Australian classical composer
• Jodie Critchlow: British figure skater
• Nic Critchlow: former Australian football player
• Rodney Critchlow: American poet
• Carmel Critchlow: English motivational speaker
• Chris Critchlow: British philanthropy expert

Other surnames

critchley