Last Name Crepin

The surname "Crepin" is believed to have French origins. It is derived from a personal name, "Crepin", which was a diminutive form of the given name "Gervais", itself deriving from the Latin name "Gervasius". This name was popular in medieval Europe and was borne by several saints, which may explain its survival as a surname. Over time, the spelling has evolved to various forms such as Crepion, Crepin, Crepein, etc. However, it is important to note that the exact origin can sometimes depend on regional variations in spelling and pronunciation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Crepin

The meaning and origin of the last name Crepin

The surname Crepin is of French origin, derived from the Old Norman-French term "crape" which means 'shaggy cloth' or 'rag'. It was originally an occupational name for someone who made or sold such fabrics, or possibly a nickname for a person who resembled a shaggy cloth or ragged piece of clothing. The name first appeared in the early Middle Ages, with the Normans being one of the major forces that brought it to England after the conquest in 1066. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to changes in spelling and pronunciation, such as Crepain, Crepin, and Crepein. It remains a relatively uncommon surname in many parts of the world but is more prevalent in France and regions with strong French influence, particularly in Canada and Louisiana (USA).

Geographical distribution of the last name Crepin

The surname Crepin is primarily distributed across France and its neighboring regions, with significant concentrations in Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy. Historically, these regions have been associated with the origin of the name, which is believed to derive from the Old French "crepel," meaning "cricket" or "grasshopper." The name also appears in Belgium, especially in Wallonia, due to historical links between the regions. Additionally, there are scattered instances of the surname Crepin in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where many French immigrants settled during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name is less common but present in countries with a significant French-speaking population, such as Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Haiti.

Variants and spellings of the last name Crepin

The surname Crepin has various spellings and variations, reflecting its origin from different regions and time periods. Some common versions of the name include Crepin, Crépin, Krepin, Crapin, Croppin, and Crispin. The original French form is Crépin, derived from the Latin name Crispinus, which means "curly-haired." This surname has been found in France since the Middle Ages, with notable bearers appearing in historical records dating back to the 13th century. In some cases, regional dialects and phonetic changes have led to variations such as Crepin, Krepin, or Crapin. The name may also be found among French Canadians and other French-speaking communities worldwide. Over time, immigrants from France brought the surname to various countries, leading to additional variations based on local customs and languages.

Famous people with the last name Crepin

Notable individuals with the surname Crepin include:

1. **Julien Crepin** (born 1978), a French footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique Lyonnais, and AS Monaco. He also represented France in international competitions.

2. **Louise Crepin** (1860–1945), a Canadian educator and writer who was the first woman to obtain a Ph.D. from McGill University. She was a pioneer in women's education and published numerous works on the subject.

3. **Marie-Thérèse Crepin** (1876–1945), a French feminist, author, and activist who fought for women's suffrage. She founded the League of Women Voters in France.

4. **Pascal Crepin** (born 1959), a French mathematician known for his work on algebraic geometry. He is a professor at the University of Geneva and has won several prestigious awards in his field.

These individuals, though from different professions and eras, have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and left indelible marks in their societies.

Genealogical research on the last name Crepin

The surname Crepin is of French origin, primarily found in the northern regions of France such as Normandy and Picardy. The name is derived from the Old French "crespin," meaning "basket-maker." One of the earliest known records of the name was Guillaume le Crespine, who lived during the 12th century in Normandy. Over time, various branches of the Crepin family spread throughout France, with some families immigrating to other countries such as Belgium, Canada, and the United States due to religious or economic reasons. Notable individuals with the surname Crepin include Pierre-Louis Crepin, a French artist who was a student of Jacques-Louis David, and Louis Crepin, a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Bellechasse in Quebec. Today, the Crepin family can be found in many parts of the world, with a significant number still residing in France and its territories.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Crepin"
• 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

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