Surname Crab - Meaning and Origin
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Crab: What does the surname Crab mean?
The last name "Crab" is of English origin. It is believed to be a locational surname, derived from a place named "Crab" or similar variation. However, the exact origin or specific location isn't clear. In some instances, the surname could be an occupational name for a gatherer or seller of crabs.
Additionally, the name could be derived from the Middle English word 'crabba' meaning crab, which might have been used as a nickname for someone with a peculiar walk that resemble a crab's movement or for someone with a crabby, discontented disposition.
It is also possible that Crab is used to denote someone born under the astrological sign of Cancer, which is represented by the crab. However, these are all speculative theories and there exact origins of the surname are uncertain. Like many surnames, the true meaning of "Crab" could be influenced by a wide range of factors and many evolve over centuries. So it's quite challenging to ascertain a single definitive meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisCrab: Where does the name Crab come from?
The surname Crab is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English "crabba," which means "crab," and was initially used as a nickname given to someone who moved awkwardly or had a peculiar gait. It may have also been an occupational name for a person who caught or sold crabs. It is believed to have been popularized in England during the Middle Ages. Due to historical migrations and the spread of the English language, the last name Crab and its variations (Crabb, Crabbe, and others) can now also be found amongst populations in the United States, Canada, and Australia, but it remains most prevalent in England. However, as the surname is relatively uncommon even in these countries, it does not appear in high frequency in any particular region. Additionally, the widespread use of surnames and the potential for spelling variations can also affect the prevalence of the name Crab in different parts of the world.
Variations of the surname Crab
The surname Crab is likely of Anglo-Saxon origin and may have originated as a nickname for a cross or ill-tempered individual, as the crab’s sideways movement could have been connected with a sideways or indirect nature. There are several variants and alternative spellings of the surname Crab, including Crabbe, Crabb, Crabbs, Crabe, and Krab. As English spelling was not standardized until the Modern Period (late 15th-early 16th century), variation in the spelling of surnames is common.
Moreover, the surname Crab could also have locational roots, as there are places named Crabtree in Sussex and Devon, England. Those from these regions may have adopted 'Crabtree' or just 'Crab' as a surname, or it may have been bestowed upon those who migrated from these areas to another location.
It is also plausible that the surname 'Crab' might have occupational origins, potentially referring to a catcher of crabs or a seller of crabs.
Surnames with similar meanings in other languages could also be considered variants. For instance, the German surname 'Krebs' also means crab.
Famous people with the name Crab
- Bob Crab: A British retired actor from the 1950s.
- Rachel Crab: An American country-rock singer from Nashville, Tennessee.
- Jef Crab: A French professional snowboarder, famous for his daring tricks on the slopes.
- Miles Crab: An up-and-coming Australian pop star, whose album ‘Caves’ was released in late 2020.
- Miriam Crab: A Canadian Olympic figure skater, who won bronze at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.
- Blake Crab: An English professional footballer who currently plays center midfield for Manchester City.
- Tyler Crab: An American rapper from New York who is best known for his collaborations with Cardi B and Kanye West.
- Frank Crab: An American author, best known for his novel ‘The Heart of the Matter’ published in 1974.
- Steve Crab: An American producer and television director, who has worked on some of the most popular shows like Friends, The Office and Arrested Development.
- Eliza Crab: A British fashion designer and entrepreneur, famous for her sustainable and eco-friendly designs.