Surname Croswell - Meaning and Origin
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Croswell: What does the surname Croswell mean?
The surname Croswell is of English origin and largely found in the United States, England, and Canada. Derived from old English elements, "cross" and "well", it literally means 'cross by the stream'. Cross refers to a crossroads or a crossing, while well signifies a spring or water source. Therefore, Croswell can be considered a geographical or topographical surname, originally given to someone who lived near a cross near a well or stream. Like many surnames, over time and generations, it has been altered, leading to different variations in spelling. Names that are derived from locations or geographical features often tell observers something about the original bearer's place of residence or occupation.
Order DNA origin analysisCroswell: Where does the name Croswell come from?
Croswell is a surname of Old English origin, deriving from elements "cros," meaning cross, and "well(a)," meaning spring or well. It was originally used as a topographic name for someone dwelling near a spring or well marked with a cross.
It is thought to originate from places named Croswell or Croswald in England. The earliest mentions of the name can be found in historical documents from Cornwall, a region in the South West of England, dating back to the 13th century.
Today, the name Croswell is not very common and is more frequently found in the United States, Australia, and United Kingdom. According to Forebears, a website providing a comprehensive database of surnames, the Croswell surname is most prevalent in the United States, ranking 41,868th there. In the United Kingdom, it is not common and ranks as the 137,094th most common name. In Australia, the name is even less prevalent. It is also found, although rarely, in places like New Zealand and Canada. Despite its rarity worldwide, the Croswell family name continues to survive.
Variations of the surname Croswell
The surname Croswell can have various spellings and pronunciations, possibly due to regional differences, transcription errors, or simply variations within the family over time. Some of the common variations include Cresswell, Criswell, Crosswell, Crosell, Croswelle, Croiswell, Croswill, and Krosswell.
The surnames Criswell and Cresswell, for instance, are thought to have been derived from the same origin as Croswell. These surnames can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon England, and come from geographic names, specifically referring to someone who lived near a cross or a well.
The surname Croswell is also believed to be a variant of the surname Carswell, derived from a place name in Oxfordshire, England.
While there is a general belief of a common origin, each variation may have its unique root based on geographical distribution and local dialects. Migration over the centuries also led to further variations as names were adapted to suit different languages and pronunciations.
Please note that the origin and variants of a surname can be complex and may require specific genealogical research to confirm for a specific lineage.
Therefore it's recommended to use historical records, family trees, and genealogical DNA testing to trace the origin of the surname and its variants accurately.
Famous people with the name Croswell
- Henry Croswell: An American journalist and editor who ran the Connecticut Courant newspaper during Anti-Federalist era.
- Harry Croswell: An American clergyman, publisher, and journalist. He was a rector of Trinity Church in New Haven, Connecticut and was known for his libel trial that expanded the interpretation of the First Amendment of US Constitution.
- William Croswell Doane: An American bishop who served as the first Bishop of Albany in the Episcopal Church from 1869 to 1913. He was the son of Harry Croswell.
- George Croswell: A notable American football player in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. He played for the University of Michigan's football team and later coached at the University of Oregon.
- Amanda Croswell: An American writer known for her book 'The First Dismissal'.
- Edwin Croswell: A journalist and politician who served as the editor of the Albany Argus and as the Secretary of State for New York.
- William Croswell: A poet and hymn writer, he was also an Episcopal clergyman, serving as rector of several parishes in Massachusetts including the historic Church of the Advent in Boston. He was the son of Harry Croswell.