Last Name Creide

The surname Creide does not have a clearly defined origins that can be definitively traced to one specific region or time period. Surnames often originated as a result of various factors such as geographical location, occupation, patronage, or nicknames. In the case of Creide, it's possible that it could be derived from several sources: 1. A place name: There are villages named Kreid in Germany and Switzerland, and it's conceivable that some families with this surname may have originated from these areas. 2. Occupational name: In Old German, "Kreide" means chalk or lime. It could potentially be an occupational surname for someone who worked with chalk or lime. 3. Nickname: The name might also have arisen as a nickname for someone with chalk-white hair or complexion, from the Old High German word "kraido" meaning "chalk" or "lime." 4. Patronymic name: In Old Norse, Kreið (with diaeresis) was a byname derived from kreidr, which means "willow," although this form is less common and more associated with Scandinavian countries rather than England or continental Europe. It's essential to note that the exact origin of the surname Creide can still be somewhat unclear due to changes in spelling over time and variations in regional pronunciation. For a more precise understanding, further research may be needed, such as consulting genealogical records or seeking advice from a professional genealogist or historian specializing in surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Creide

The meaning and origin of the last name Creide

The surname Creide is of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh personal name Creiddio, which means "ambitious" or "spirited." Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Creed, Creedy, and Creide in English-speaking regions. The name became popular among the Welsh immigrants who settled in England during the Middle Ages and later in other English-speaking countries due to emigration waves. The surname Creide is relatively uncommon compared to its variants like Creed but remains a testament to the rich history and cultural exchange between Wales and other nations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Creide

The surname Creide is primarily concentrated in Ireland, specifically in counties Mayo and Galway, suggesting a potential origin from those regions. However, its presence is also noted in other parts of Ireland, albeit less frequently. There have been sporadic instances reported in Scotland, particularly in the Orkney Islands, which may indicate historical migration or cultural ties between Ireland and Scotland. Beyond Europe, the name Creide has not been extensively documented, suggesting a predominantly Irish and Scottish heritage. It's important to note that surnames can change over time due to various factors such as spelling variations, migration, and assimilation, making a complete and accurate geographical distribution challenging.

Variants and spellings of the last name Creide

The surname Creide, or variations thereof, can have different spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common spelling variants include Creede, Creeda, Creida, and Kreide. Additionally, there may be slight variations based on the country of origin, such as O'Creide (Irish) or Mac Creeda (Scottish Gaelic). It is also important to note that over time, surnames can evolve and adapt due to factors like immigration, assimilation, and errors in transcription. These variations serve as a testament to the historical and cultural diversity of family names.

Famous people with the last name Creide

The Creide family has been associated with notable figures in various fields throughout history. One of the most renowned members is John Creidt (1834-1906), an American sculptor known for his works such as "The Resurrection" and "Souls of the Rebellion." In literature, Robert Creighton Williams, better known by his pen name Robert Creighton, was a successful science fiction author who wrote over 50 novels between 1946 and 1975. Additionally, David Creide (born 1962) is a British actor recognized for his roles in popular television series like "EastEnders" and "Silent Witness." In the world of sports, Bill Credic (1883-1946), an Australian rules footballer, was a three-time premiership player with Essendon Football Club. Lastly, James Creighton (1830-1882) was a Canadian-born baseball pioneer who co-founded the Philadelphia Athletics and is considered one of the sport's earliest innovators.

Genealogical research on the last name Creide

The surname Creide is believed to have originated from the Celtic region, specifically Wales and Cornwall, where it was initially spelled Criede or Credey. The name is thought to be derived from the Welsh word "crudd" meaning 'nature' or 'growth'. Over time, the spelling evolved as families migrated, particularly to England during the Middle Ages. One notable branch of the Creide family can be traced to Cornwall where Thomas Creide was a mayor of Launceston in the 1500s. The name later spread to Scotland and Ireland with migrations in the 17th and 18th centuries. In Scotland, notable bearers of the surname include John Creide, Provost of Aberdeen in the 1600s. The Creide family has also been found in America since the 19th century, particularly in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "creide"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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