Surname Crowe - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Tracing the Footsteps of Ancestors: The Crowe Legacy Through iGENEA DNA Test
Armed with insights from my iGENEA DNA test, I embarked on a historical journey, tracing the roots of my surname - Crowe. It transported me to the Viking Age and unveiled my lineage's fascinating relationship with the solitary embodiment of the bird - the crow. This personal exploration brimming with historical revelations has connected me more profoundly to my ancestors, enriching my understanding and appreciation of my roots.
C. Crowe
read moreCrowe: What does the surname Crowe mean?
The surname Crowe is of English, Irish and Scottish origin. In English and Scottish context, it is derived from Middle English ‘Crow’ meaning ‘crow’, thus it could have originally been a nickname for someone who resembled a crow, perhaps someone with dark hair or a harsh voice. It could have also been given to someone living in an area abundant with crows.
In an Irish context, Crowe is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Mac Conchradha" and "O'Conchradha," meaning "son of Conchradha" and "descendant of Conchradha." The personal name Conchradha itself signifies "wisdom or prudence" or literally, "aid or counsel of hounds." Thus, in these contexts, the surname Crowe may refer to someone who is wise, prudent, or a strong counselor. Moreover, Crowe is a prominent surname in County Clare, Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisCrowe: Where does the name Crowe come from?
The surname Crowe primarily originates from England and Ireland. In England, it is derived from Middle English crawe or the Old Norse krá, representing metonymic occupations for a crow-keeper or a nickname referring to a person's characteristics (such as the bird). In Ireland, it is anglicized from the native Gaelic O'Catháin or Mac Enchroe, meaning "son of the red warrior", primarily associated with the county Clare. Sometimes, it is also an anglicized form of Mac Conchradha, a name associated with counties Sligo and Leitrim.
Today, the last name Crowe can be found in many English-speaking countries including the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it is more common in Appalachian states such as Kentucky and North Carolina, reflecting early immigration from England and Ireland. In Australia, it is found due to the high Irish immigrant population. Overall, it remains most common in Ireland, especially within Clare county where it's a historic family name.
Variations of the surname Crowe
The surname Crowe is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Middle English term for a crow. This nickname was often given to someone with dark hair or complexion. Variations and alternate spellings for Crowe include Crow, Cro, Crew, Crue, Cruwys, and Crou.
There are also regional adaptations of the name. In Ireland, for example, the name has been Gaelicized to Mac Enchroe and O'Crowe. In Scotland, it is often seen as MacCrow.
Surnames that may share the same origin due to similar name meaning or symbolism are Crawford (meaning crow ford), Corbin (from the French for crow), and Krause (from the German for curly, which may have been originally applied to someone with hair resembling a crow's feathers).
As surnames sometimes change over generations with misspellings or phonetic shifts, it is also wise to consider names that may sound similar or share partial spelling with Crowe, such as Rowe or Roe. However, these names may not necessarily share the same origin or meaning and could come from entirely different root words or symbols.
Famous people with the name Crowe
- Russell Crowe: An internationally acclaimed Australian actor and film producer who has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor.
- Sheryl Crow: An American musician, singer, songwriter, and actress. Her music incorporates elements of pop, rock, folk, country, and blues.
- Cameron Crowe: An American film director, producer, and screenwriter who gained fame for his influential teen films in the 1980s.
- Martin Crowe: A New Zealand former cricketer, cricket commentator and captain of the New Zealand national cricket team, considered one of the country's greatest batsmen.
- Danielle Crowe: A famous American curler.
- Jonny Crowe: A famous professional Australian rules footballer.
- Steve Crowe: A Canadian retired professional ice hockey player.
- Lee Crowe: An English professional footballer who played as a midfielder in the Football League, including Cardiff City.
- Darren Crowe: An Irish retired hurler who played as a full-back for the Clare senior team.
- Marjorie Crowe: An American professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour.