Last Name Crespo

The last name "Crespo" has Spanish and Portuguese origins. It is derived from the Latin word "crispus," meaning "curly," "wavy," or "frizzy." As a surname, it likely originated as a nickname for someone with curly or wavy hair. The name "Crespo" is quite common in Spanish-speaking countries, as well as in Portugal and Brazil.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Crespo

The meaning and origin of the last name Crespo

The surname Crespo has both Spanish and Portuguese origins and is derived from the Latin word "crispius," meaning curly or frizzy. It is a descriptive name that possibly referred to a person with curly hair or a wavy appearance. Alternatively, it could have denoted someone living near a natural feature like a creek or stream with a winding or meandering course or a place with curly vegetation.

The surname Crespo can be found in various regions, particularly in Spain and Portugal. In Spain, it is prevalent in the northern region of Asturias, while in Portugal, it is more commonly found in the central and southern parts of the country. Over time, individuals with the surname Crespo have migrated to other parts of the world, including Latin America and the United States. As with many surnames, variations and different spellings, such as Cresp, Crespel, or Crispi, can be observed due to linguistic influences and regional adaptations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Crespo

The last name Crespo is predominantly found in Spain and Latin American countries, particularly in Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. In Spain, the name is most commonly found in the northern region of Asturias and the central region of Castilla y León. In Argentina, Crespo is most prevalent in the province of Buenos Aires, followed by Santa Fe and Entre Ríos. Colombia has a significant concentration of Crespo families in and around the capital city of Bogotá. In Mexico, the name is spread throughout various states, including Veracruz, Puebla, and Jalisco. The distribution of the last name Crespo suggests a strong connection to regions with Spanish colonial influence and historical ties. Over time, some branches of the Crespo family may have migrated to other parts of the world, leading to smaller populations of Crespos in other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Crespo

The last name Crespo can be found with various spellings and variations. Some common spellings include Crispo, Crespó, and Cresp. These variations may result from different regions or countries where the name is found. For instance, the inclusion of an accent mark on the letter "o" in Crespó indicates a Spanish origin. Additionally, the name may also be written with a double "s" as Cresspo. Furthermore, regional variations could lead to different phonetic pronunciations and slight modifications in the spelling. In some cases, the last name may be combined with a prefix or suffix, such as De Crespo or Del Crespo, further personalizing the name. Ultimately, these variations and spellings contribute to the unique identities and familial lineages associated with the surname Crespo.

Famous people with the last name Crespo

There are several famous individuals with the last name Crespo who have made significant contributions in various fields. One well-known figure is Elvis Crespo, a Puerto Rican-American singer and songwriter who has been an influential force in the Latin music industry, particularly in the genre of Merengue. His chart-topping hit "Suavemente" propelled him to international fame and earned him several accolades, including a Grammy Award. Another notable Crespo is Hernán Crespo, an Argentine former professional soccer player who was widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation. Throughout his career, he played for renowned clubs like Parma, Lazio, and Inter Milan, winning numerous trophies and earning individual accolades. Currently, Hernán Crespo is a respected coach and manages the Argentine side, Defensa y Justicia. These notable figures bearing the last name Crespo have left an indelible mark on their respective fields, garnering widespread recognition and admiration.

Genealogical research on the last name Crespo

The surname Crespo is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Spanish word "crespo," which means "curly." It is believed to have originated from a nickname given to someone with curly hair. The surname has a long history and has been found in various regions of Spain, such as Asturias, Galicia, and Andalusia. Over time, the Crespo family expanded and migrated to other parts of the world, including Latin America. Today, descendants of the Crespo family can be found in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. Genealogical research on the surname Crespo would likely involve tracing specific family lineages, exploring birth and marriage records, and connecting individuals with their ancestral roots. This research could provide valuable insight into the familial connections, migration patterns, and historical context of the Crespo surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Crespo"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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