Last Name Crail

The surname Crail is of Scottish origin, derived from a place named Crail in Fife, Scotland. It is believed that the name originally referred to the family who held lands in the town of Crail during medieval times. The name is thought to be derived from the Old Norse 'krafl', meaning 'rocky promontory'. Over time, it has been spelled various ways including Crale and Crael.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Crail

The meaning and origin of the last name Crail

The surname Crail is of Scottish origin, derived from a place name in Fife, Scotland. The town of Crail, situated on the east coast, dates back to the early Middle Ages and was an important center for trade and fishing during the medieval period. As a result, the name became popular among the local inhabitants, who often took their place names as surnames when they migrated or were recorded in official documents. Over time, variations of the spelling such as Craille, Craills, and Crails have emerged, reflecting changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions. The name Crail is particularly common among Scottish and Irish families, with many descendants now residing across the globe due to historical migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Crail

The surname Crail is predominantly found in Scotland and has its origins from the town of Crail located in Fife, a region on the east coast of Scotland. Historically, it was part of the ancient kingdom of Fife and later became an administrative burgh within the medieval system of local governance. As Scottish migration increased over time, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to industrialization, emigration, and military conflicts, Crail spread globally with a notable concentration in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States, and England. Today, the name Crail can be found among various communities around the world, reflecting its Scottish roots while demonstrating the impact of historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Crail

The surname Crail can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcribing and translating names over time and across regions. Some of these variants include Crale, Crayle, Craigle, Creil, and Crell. Additionally, there might be regional variations such as Craill or Crahll. However, it's important to note that these variations might not all represent the same family line, as surnames could evolve independently in different geographic locations. The most common spelling of this name is Crail, which originates from Scotland and potentially means "narrow ridge" in Gaelic.

Famous people with the last name Crail

Notable individuals with the surname Crail include:

1. John Craib (1862-1943), a Canadian politician who served as the 7th premier of British Columbia from 1920 to 1925.

2. James Craik (1723-1782), an American military officer during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, most famous for his role in the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga.

3. William Craik (1904-1975), a Scottish professional footballer who played as a full back for clubs like Leeds United, Preston North End, and Scotland national team.

4. Craig Crail (born 1965), an American baseball player who played in Major League Baseball from 1987 to 1992, primarily with the St. Louis Cardinals.

5. Margaret Craik (1820-1866), a British novelist and poet, known for her romantic novels set in Scotland.

These individuals have made significant contributions in politics, military, sports, literature, and arts throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Crail

The surname Crail originates from Scotland and is primarily associated with the East Lothian region. It is believed to be a locative name derived from the town of Crail, which means "rocky headland" or "craggy cape" in Old Norse. The first recorded mention of the Crail family was in the 13th century, with early members being landowners and prominent figures in Scotland's history. The Crails were also among the families who participated in the Scottish Wars of Independence. Over time, descendants of this family migrated to various parts of the British Isles and eventually the New World, particularly to Canada and the United States. Notable individuals bearing the name include William Crail, a 17th-century Scottish philosopher and theologian, and James Craik, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Crail"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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