Last Name Crespi

The surname Crespi is of Italian and Spanish origin. It comes from the word "cresp" which means 'rising ground' in Italian, or 'crooked, sloping' in Spanish. The name was originally given to someone who lived near a hill or on a slope. In some cases, it may also be a variant of the Jewish surname Krespi, derived from the Hebrew word "krespey" meaning 'potsherd'. However, the exact origin can vary based on specific family histories and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Crespi

The meaning and origin of the last name Crespi

The surname Crespi is an Italian patronymic name derived from the given name Crescenzio or Crispino, both of which mean "strong" or "curly-haired" in Latin. Originating from Italy, the name likely originated as a nickname for a person with strong characteristics or curly hair. The name Crespi is often found in regions of northern and central Italy, particularly Lombardy, where it has been borne by several prominent figures throughout history. Notable individuals bearing this surname include artists such as Bernardo Crespi and Giovanni Battista Crespi, also known as il Cerano. The name's popularity spread to other regions and countries as Italian immigrants emigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries, establishing communities and preserving their cultural heritage worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Crespi

The last name Crespi is predominantly distributed in Italy, particularly in the Lombardy region around Milan and Bergamo, which is believed to be its origin. The surname also has significant presence in other Italian regions such as Veneto, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna. Apart from Italy, there are noticeable populations of Crespi descendants in various parts of the world due to historical migrations, with notable concentrations in Switzerland, France, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. In the U.S., significant populations can be found in states like Illinois, California, and New York, where Italian immigrants settled during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Crespi

The surname Crespi has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Crespiani, Crespin, Crespen, Crespi, Crispi, and Crespel. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions over time, regional dialects, or phonetic changes during migration. Additionally, the name can also be found as de Crespi, del Crespi, and di Crespi, which incorporate the preposition "de" or "del"/ "di", a common practice in Italian and Spanish-speaking countries to denote a surname of noble origin. Other forms include Crispino, Crispinelli, and Crispini, which are diminutives or patronymics derived from the given name Crispin. The name's origin is believed to be Italian, derived from the city of Crespiano in the region of Veneto.

Famous people with the last name Crespi

The Crespi family has produced several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most prominent is Giuseppe Crespi (1665-1747), an Italian Baroque painter from Bergamo, known for his detailed and deeply emotional religious works. In the field of science, Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) – born as Maria Sibylla Marella Crespi de' Medici in Germany – is renowned for her groundbreaking work in entomology and natural illustration. On the other hand, Franco Crespi (born 1943), an American molecular biologist, is a prominent figure in the field of genetics, known for his research on the mechanisms of gene expression and chromosome structure. In sports, Roberto Crespo (1950-2006), also known as El Cholo Crespi, was an Argentine footballer who played as a striker for clubs such as Independiente and River Plate, as well as the national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Crespi

The Crespi surname is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval given name Crispino, a diminutive of the Latin Crispinus, meaning "curly-haired." This name was initially popularized by the Catholic saints Crispin and Crispinian, twin brothers who were martyred in the 3rd century. The Crespi family is believed to have originated from the region of Lombardy, Italy, specifically in the town of Bergamo. Some notable figures with this surname include the Renaissance painter Carlo Crespi and the Italian-American architect Daniel Crespi. In North America, the Crespi family can be traced back to Luigi Crespi, who immigrated from Italy to Quebec, Canada, in 1685. The name is also commonly found in Brazil due to Italian migration during the 20th century. Genealogical research suggests that variations of this surname include Crispi, Crispino, Crispinelli, and Crispino-Zanetti.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Crespi"
• 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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