Surname Halcrow - Meaning and Origin
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Halcrow: What does the surname Halcrow mean?
The last name Halcrow is of Scottish origin and is thought to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Heelcraw. The spelling of the name in medieval times was 'Heelcrawe', meaning "Ale Crow," which was an old term for a publican or tavern keeper. It was one of the few occupational surnames to come about in the long-ago medieval period and is found mostly in northern England and Scotland today. Although it is believed to have derived from the old Anglo-Saxon language, it could also be of Norse roots, given the long history of Scandinavian settlements in Scotland.
The Halcrow family crest is a black crow on a silver or white background, symbolizing the original meaning of their surname. This crest is found in ancient illustrations dating back centuries. The Halcrows were first documented in Dumfriesshire, Scottish during the 1400's, where they were known to be prosperous landowners with significant wealth.
The Halcrow surname has since spread throughout the world. It is common in Britain, Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, where strong Halcrow clans and families remain. To descendants of the original Halcrows, the name carries with it a sense of pride and history.
Order DNA origin analysisHalcrow: Where does the name Halcrow come from?
The last name Halcrow is thought to be of Scottish origins. It is currently still quite a common surname in certain parts of Scotland. One area where it is frequently encountered is in the town of Hawick in the Borders region of Scotland. The name is also widely documented in records in nearby towns such as Galashiels, Jedburgh and Melrose. It is thought that the origin of the name is a diminutive form of the Scottish word ‘halcro’, which means ‘hook’ or ‘crook’.
The Halcrows of Hawick were originally weavers in the town and the name is still closely associated with this industry in the area today. There are still Halcrows living in Hawick, some of whom may trace their ancestry back centuries in the town. The Halcrow family is also documented in records in neighbouring towns such as Selkirk and Peebles.
The Halcrow family name is also still seen in other areas of Scotland. A Halcrow Coat of Arms can be found in Inverness, whilst a monument dedicated to the Halcrow family stands in the graveyard at the Church of St Ninian in East Kilbride. In recent years, people with the Halcrow surname have spread to other parts of the world - North America, Australia and New Zealand, Africa and Asia.
Variations of the surname Halcrow
The Halcrow surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. For starters, there are the alternate spellings of Halcro, Hallcro, Halcrow, and Halcrow. When looking at surnames of the same origin, there are Holcroft, Halkroft, Hackcraft, Holcroft, and Hallcraft. All of these surnames have a Scottish origin and can trace their roots back to the 1200s.
The most common alternate spelling of the Halcrow surname is Halcro. Halcro is a shortened form of Halcraigt, meaning "a place of rock," and is derived from the old personal names Halcro and Halcrott,commonly found in northern Scotland.
Another variation is Halkroft, which can also be found in Scotland. It is derived from two elements: the Old Norse word hauk, meaning "hawk," and croft, meaning "small enclosed field or garden."
The third variation of Halcrow is Hallcraft. This surname is derived from two elements: the Old English word hall, meaning "an enclosed place," and craft, meaning "skill or craftsmanship." This variation is commonly found in England, specifically around the city of York.
Finally, Holcroft and Hackcraft find their origins in the old personal names Holcro and Hacke, which are found in the 1200s in England and Scotland. Holcroft is a combination of the Old English words hol, meaning "hollow," and croft, meaning "small enclosed field or garden." Hackcraft, on the other hand, is a combination of the Old English words hæcc, meaning "heck,” and craft, meaning "skill or craftsmanship."
Overall, the Halcrow surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin that come from different locations around England and Scotland. It is a surname that has deep roots and is still present today.
Famous people with the name Halcrow
- Lee Halcrow: British actor who appeared in a variety of television shows such as Misfits, Doctor Who, and Our Zoo.
- Alan Halcrow: British educationalist and current director of education for West Lothian London Borough Council.
- Ally Halcrow: Film director, producer and editor who has created films such as "Beneath the Canopy," "Desertification," and "Tibetan Nomads."
- John Halcrow: British footballer who plays for Peterborough United and has represented England at U-18 and U-19 level.
- Michael Halcrow: Canadian architect and interior designer who has designed, project managed and overseen the completion of a number of commercial, residential and environmental projects.
- Charles Halcrow: Canadian poet and playwright best known for his play, "The Devil's Soft Place."
- James Halcrow: British designer and artist known for his surreal installation works and often abstract photographs.
- Larry Halcrow: American professional football player who was a wide receiver for the New York Giants from 1988 to 1989.
- Wally Halcrow: Australian singer-songwriter and actor who was a part of the 1980s group The Bats, and has had success in theater, television and radio.
- David Halcrow: British director of photography on films such as "Apostasy," "Eden Lake," and "Tesla."