Last Name Creasy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Creasy

The meaning and origin of the last name Creasy

The surname Creasy is of English origin, derived from the Old French "creson" or the Middle English "crese," both meaning "crab." It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked as a crab fisherman or processor of crabs, given its coastal distribution in England. Another possibility is that it was a nickname for a quarrelsome individual, with "creasy" being a term used to describe something harsh or rough, possibly in reference to the person's demeanor or appearance. Over time, variations such as Cressy, Creasey, and Crass have emerged from the original form of the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Creasy

The last name Creasy is primarily distributed across North America and Europe. In North America, it is most prevalent in the United States, particularly in the southeastern states such as South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. It is also found in Canada, mainly in Ontario and Quebec. In Europe, the distribution includes countries like England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with significant concentrations in urban areas like London, Belfast, and Dublin. There are also smaller populations of Creasy families in other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and some Caribbean islands, but these represent a relatively small proportion of the total distribution.

Variants and spellings of the last name Creasy

The surname Creasy has several variants and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variations include Creasey, Creesy, Cressey, Crissey, Cryssey, and Crisesy. These variations can arise due to spelling changes over time, regional dialects, or errors in the transcription of names during record-keeping processes. Additionally, there might be regional differences, such as Crease in Northern England, while Creasy is more common in Southern England. It is essential to note that these variations may result in different family trees and lineages, and it's crucial to consider all possible spellings when researching genealogy or ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Creasy

Notable individuals bearing the surname Creasy include:

1. Richard Creasy (1843-1908), an American photographer and pioneer in the field of stereoscopy. He worked for Matthew Brady during the American Civil War, producing over 2,500 stereographs.

2. John Creasy (1878-1957), a British Catholic priest and author who wrote extensively on religion, morality, and education. His most famous work is "The Ways of Justification" (1934).

3. Jack Creasy (born 1965), an American computer programmer, entrepreneur, and inventor. He co-founded the software company Borland International, which created Delphi and C++Builder development tools.

4. Eileen Creasy (born 1958), a British politician who has served as Member of Parliament for Lewisham West and Penge since 2005. She was the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 2011 to 2015.

These individuals, although not related, have made significant contributions in various fields: photography, religion, technology, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Creasy

The surname Creasy originates from Old French "cresche" and Norman-French "crecei", which translates to "grower of crops". It is primarily of English origin, dating back to the Middle Ages, though it may have also been brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. The name was originally an occupational one for a farmer or cultivator.

In the United States, the Creasy family can be traced back to William Creasey who arrived on the ship "Sussex" in Virginia in 1635. Later variations of the name include Cressey, Crocey, and Cracey. Notable individuals with this surname include American inventor Benjamin Franklin Creasy and British clergyman William Creasy.

Research continues to uncover more about the origins and migration patterns of the Creasy family across Europe and the Americas. Genealogical databases such as Ancestry, Findmypast, and FamilySearch provide valuable resources for those seeking information about their Creasy ancestors.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Creasy"
• 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 : 15 June 2025