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Last Name Creager

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What is the origin of the last name Creager?

The surname Creager is of English origin and it is derived from a nickname for a person with a curly or kinky hair. The name is an anglicized form of the Old French "crespiere," meaning "curly-haired." It was often used as a nickname and eventually became a hereditary surname. Another possible origin suggests that it could be a habitational name from various places in France named Cresse, Cresson, or Creissel, which are derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name Crispus, meaning "curly-haired."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Creager

The meaning and origin of the last name Creager

The surname Creager is of English origin, stemming from various locations in England bearing the same name, such as Cragar in Northumberland or Cregage in Yorkshire. The name is derived from Old Norse words "kragr" meaning "hook-nosed" and "kraekr" meaning "crag" or "cliff". It was likely a topographic surname, indicating residence near a geographical feature with these descriptive qualities. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations such as Cregar, Crager, and Creeger also found. The name is relatively rare but has been distributed among various English-speaking countries due to immigration over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Creager

The last name Creager is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States. According to data from FamilyEducation, it is most common in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, suggesting potential German or Swiss-German origins due to historical immigration patterns. However, there are also significant populations of individuals with the last name Creager in other parts of the U.S., including California, Texas, and Florida. Smaller numbers can be found in Canada, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia, likely as a result of migration from the United States. It is less common but still present in countries like Australia and New Zealand, hinting at further dispersal from North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Creager

The surname Creager can be found with several spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants include Crayger, Creeger, Crager, and Crisger. These variations arise from minor alterations such as misspellings, regional dialects, or simply the evolution of surnames over generations. Other less frequent variations may include Creeger, Krayger, and Cruager, though these are not as common. It's also possible to find international variants resulting from immigration and adoption into different cultures. For example, in some cases, the name might be spelled Kreiger or Kräger in countries where German-language influences are prominent.

Famous people with the last name Creager

Notable individuals sharing the surname Creager include:

1. Richard Creager (born 1964), an American former professional basketball player who played for teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Indiana Pacers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a key member of the University of Maryland's men's basketball team that won the NCAA championship in 1975.

2. Jill Creager (born 1953), an American author and journalist, known for her work as a foreign correspondent in Asia during the 1980s and 1990s. She has written several books about her experiences, including "Burma's Forgotten Daughter" and "The Rape of Nanking: An Unforgettable History."

3. Jade Creager (born 1995), a Canadian actress who has appeared in television shows such as "Motive," "Supernatural," and "When Calls the Heart." She is also known for her role in the short film "The Other Side of Hope."

4. William M. Creager, an American academic who served as the Provost of Purdue University from 1928 to 1934. He was a leading figure in the development of industrial education in America and played a significant role in expanding Purdue's engineering programs.

Genealogical research on the last name Creager

The surname Creager is of English origin, stemming from various places in England such as Creech in Somerset and Crich in Derbyshire. These locations derive their names from Old English terms, "crec" meaning a crooked or bended place, and "crica" denoting a ridge or hill. The name Creager could have also been a nickname for someone who lived near such places or had physical characteristics associated with these topographical features. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved to Creager, likely due to regional dialects and scribal errors during record-keeping. The family migrated to America in significant numbers during the 17th and 18th centuries, settling primarily in Virginia and Pennsylvania but also spreading to other regions over subsequent generations. Notable individuals with the name include American Civil War General John W. Creager and baseball player Steve Creager.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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