Last Name Crank

The surname Crank is of Old English origin and derives from a nickname for a cranky, obstinate, or difficult person, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who made or used cranks, such as in machinery. The term "crank" has also been used historically to refer to a noisy or unruly person, or someone with an eccentric disposition. A different origin theory suggests that the surname Crank could be of Norman French origin and may have originally been a locative name from places named Crancher in Normandy, which comes from the Old Norse "kran" meaning 'corner' or 'angle', and "heyr" meaning 'headland'. However, it is important to note that both theories are speculative and based on historical research. It's also worth mentioning that surnames like Crank began to appear in Europe during the Middle Ages as part of a larger shift towards hereditary surnames in place of personal names or bynames. The practice of taking a family name was established more formally by the 12th century, although it continued to spread over several centuries and varied by region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Crank

The meaning and origin of the last name Crank

The surname Crank is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin, derived from the word "cranc," which means 'swan' or 'crane.' It was originally a nickname given to someone who was tall and slender, much like the long necks of these birds. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname in England and was eventually brought to other English-speaking countries by immigrants. The surname Crank is relatively uncommon but can be found in various parts of the English-speaking world, including England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Notable individuals with the surname include the mathematician Thomas H. Crank (1925-2006) and the Australian rugby league footballer Andrew John Crankshaw (born 1974).

Geographical distribution of the last name Crank

The surname Crank is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in England, Scotland, and Ireland, due to its Anglo-Saxon and Norman origins. Historically, it was most common in the Midlands and northern England regions. In the United States, the name has a significant presence, especially in states with early English settlements such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The name is also prevalent in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. Additionally, there are sizeable communities of people with the surname Crank in Australia and New Zealand, countries that have received a substantial number of British migrants over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Crank

The surname Crank has several variants and spellings, primarily due to phonetic changes, transcription errors, and regional dialects over time. Some variations of the surname Crank include Cranke, Crankes, Cranksfield, Craunk, Crean, Creanck, Creak, and Crenk. These variations may have emerged as a result of misinterpretations during data entry, scribal errors in historical records, or differences in pronunciation across regions and time periods. Regardless of the spelling, these surnames are believed to share a common origin, derived from Old English words such as "cran(c)" meaning "rounded hill" or "crooked," or "craen" meaning "bend" or "crook."

Famous people with the last name Crank

Notable individuals with the surname Crank include:

1. John Crank (1923-2006), an English mathematician and engineer known for his contributions to computational fluid dynamics. He developed the Crank-Nicolson method, a numerical algorithm used in solving partial differential equations.

2. Robert Crank (born 1943), an American theoretical chemist who is the William Rainey Harper Professor of Chemistry at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on quantum chemistry and computational physics.

3. Steve Crank (born 1956), an English musician best known as the drummer for the British band The Stranglers from 1975 to 1980. He later became a graphic designer, creating album covers for various bands.

4. William Crank (1920-2007), an American inventor who designed and built one of the first modern electronic organs. His organ, called the Crank Organ, was patented in 1950 and is considered a precursor to today's digital organs.

These individuals have made significant contributions to mathematics, chemistry, music, and technology, demonstrating the versatility of the Crank name across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Crank

The surname Crank is believed to have originated from various regions in England, with early records dating back to the late Middle Ages. The name is thought to be occupational, derived from the Old English 'cranc' meaning 'crane,' and was likely used for a person who worked as a crane operator or had some connection to cranes in their profession.

One notable Crank family is from Yorkshire, where records show William de Cranke living in the 13th century. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved into its modern form. The Crank family migrated to America during the colonial period, with early settlers found in Virginia and Massachusetts. Notable Cranks in American history include Robert Crank, a Revolutionary War soldier from Pennsylvania, and Joseph Lyman Crank, an influential businessman and politician in Ohio during the 19th century. The name Crank is also found among Australian settlers from the late 18th to early 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Crank"
• 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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