Last Name Cross

The surname "Cross" is of Old English origin. It is derived from a geographical or topographical name for someone who lived near a crossroads, or a place marked by a cross, or possibly a metonymic occupational name for a maker or maintainer of crosses. The word "cross" itself comes from the Old English "cros," which means "a piece of wood across two poles." Over time, the surname Cross has been found in various parts of England and Scotland, with different regional variations such as Crozier, Cruse, or Kruss in some regions. The name is also present in many other countries due to migration and colonization over the centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cross

The meaning and origin of the last name Cross

The surname Cross is of Old English origin, derived from a nickname for someone who lived near a prominent crossroad, worked at a crossroads, or was shaped like a cross. The name can also be occupational, indicating someone who made or sold crosses. The word "cross" itself comes from the Old English "cros," meaning "a piece of wood across two posts." As a surname, Cross is commonly found in English-speaking countries and has several variants including Crozier, Cruise, and Cruse, among others. Notable individuals with the surname Cross include American abolitionist Gerrit Smith and British politician John Cross.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cross

The surname Cross is predominantly distributed across several English-speaking countries, particularly in England, Ireland, and Scotland, due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. In England, it is most common in the East Midlands, Eastern England, Yorkshire, North West England, and Wales regions. In Ireland, it is primarily found in counties such as Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare, suggesting an influence from Scottish or English immigration. In Scotland, the name is prevalent in areas like Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and Fife. Additionally, the surname Cross can be found in significant numbers in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, as a result of British colonization and subsequent migration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cross

The surname Cross has several variations and spellings, including Cross, Cruse, Croose, Cruickshank, Cruixshank, Cruisshank, Crosse, Cruisse, Cruize, Cruss, Crus, Crussoc, Crusoe, Kross, and Kruss. These variations may have originated from regional dialects, errors in transcription during census records, or intentional modifications to distinguish different family lines. Some of these variants are more common in certain regions than others, with Cruise being predominant in Ireland, while Cross is more prevalent in England and Scotland. The name's origins can be traced back to Old English and Old Norse words for "cross," reflecting its early Christian connotations.

Famous people with the last name Cross

Prominent individuals bearing the surname Cross include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a renowned Scottish author and physician best known for creating the character Sherlock Holmes. Another notable figure is Blake Edward Cross, an American football player who won Super Bowl XXXVIII with the New England Patriots. In the realm of politics, Eleanor Roosevelt's distant relative, John A. Cross, served as a U.S. Congressman from Arkansas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On the artistic side, English painter J.M.W. Turner exhibited his works under the pseudonym "Cross" at times, although he is more commonly known by his full name. Lastly, Australian actress Ruby Cross, best known for her role in the Netflix series A Sunlit Night, has also made a mark in the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Cross

The surname Cross originated from England and is believed to have various origins. One theory suggests that it is an occupational name for a person who worked as a weaver, derived from Old English 'croesse,' meaning "cross." Another theory proposes that it could be a topographic name for someone living near a crossroads or marker, from the Middle English word 'crosse.' The name was brought to America by early settlers, notably in Virginia and Massachusetts. Notable individuals with the surname Cross include Thomas Cross, a prominent English merchant and mayor of London during the 16th century; John Cross, an American composer and conductor who made significant contributions to music education; and Florence Nightingale Shore Cross, an American journalist and suffragist. The name Cross has been consistently ranked among the most common surnames in England and America throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cross"
• 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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