Surname Crofts - Meaning and Origin

Crofts: What does the surname Crofts mean?

The last name Crofts is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old Norse word "Krofta," meaning "an area of cultivated land," typically applied to a strip of land with a single tenant or proprietor. It was also used to describe the twisted enclosed land that separated two properties.

Originally, the last name would have been used to refer to a person who held the title of "croft holder" or "croft-lord" in a settlement. It was not uncommon for multiple family members to hold the same name, similar to today's surname Smith.

Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Crofts surname began to spread throughout England and other parts of the British Isles. This was a result of migration, the enclosure of common land, increased population growth, and the expansion of the English language.

At the same time, this surname began to gain popularity in the United States as immigrants from Britain settled in various parts of the country. Since then, immigration and globalization has allowed the surname to expand to other parts of the world.

Today, the last name Crofts is associated with hardworking, industrious, and faithful individuals. Nonetheless, the name still retains its historical schemas of being linked to a particular area of land, a symbol of stability, and the fruit of hard labor.

Crofts: Where does the name Crofts come from?

The last name Crofts is most common in the United Kingdom, specifically in Scotland and England. It is found less frequently in other countries such as the United States and Canada.

In England, the surname Crofts is widely concentrated in the South East, particularly in Greater London.

It is also a very popular surname in Scotland, where it is particularly widespread in the East of the country. This is likely due to the fact that many of the Crofts families originated from the medieval ballads of Angus and the House of Lords.

In the US, the name Crofts is concentrated primarily along the East coast states such as New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. According to the 2010 US Census, the largest population of individuals with the surname Crofts lives in California.

In Canada, Crofts is distributed throughout most of the provinces, though the greatest concentration is around Montreal, Quebec.

Altogether, the last name Crofts is still relatively common today and remains popular in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

Variations of the surname Crofts

The surname Crofts is most likely of either of two origins. It can either be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from an occupational name for someone who worked in a croft, or Welsh origin, derived from an old Welsh personal name.

Variants of the Crofts surname include:

1.Croft- usually found in England, particularly the Midlands and North.

2.Crofts- usually found in Scotland, particularly North-East Scotland.

3.Croyts- from Eastern England, in the 13th Century.

4.Croffts- from Wales.

5.Crofte- from Scotland, found as early as the 17th Century.

6.Croff- an old variant of Crofts found in Scotland, particularly in Lothian.

7.Croftsman- an occupational variant of Crofts.

8.Crofts-Smith- a double surname combining Crofts and Smith, sometimes found in Wales.

9.Crofts-Dotson- a double surname combining Crofts and Dotson, sometimes found in Scotland.

10.MacCrorts- found in Scotland, derived from the Gaelic MacChruite, made up from the elements "mac" (son of) and "chruite" (crofts).

Other similar surnames from the same origin include Crofoot, Craft and Crafts.

Famous people with the name Crofts

• Elizabeth Crofts: Elizabeth Crofts is an acclaimed film and television producer, writer, and actress. Her works include the hit television series Angie Tribeca, Girls, and Westworld. She was also a producer on the 2016 and 2018 Academy Awards.
• Adam Crofts: Adam Crofts is an English cricketer who has played for both Sussex and Kent. He is currently part of the Kent County Cricket Club and has made four T20 appearances to date.
• John Crofts: John Crofts was an English football player in the late 19th century. He was a part of the team that won the 1887 FA Cup Final and the 1889 Sherfield Challenge Cup Final.
• Tony Crofts: Tony Crofts is a Scottish actor and musician. He has performed in multiple films, theatre productions, and plays, and has been a part of bands such as The Sheiks.
• Charlie Crofts: Charlie Crofts is an English soccer player who is currently a member of the Bristol Rovers Football Club.
• Peter Crofts: Peter Crofts is a British actor, writer, and producer, known for his works The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby and Buried.
• Jessie Crofts: Jessie Crofts is an English artist and photographer who is best known for her works “Garland”, and “East Meets West”.
• Dave Crofts: Dave Crofts is a British rock musician who is best known as the bassist for the acclaimed UK melodic hardcore band, The King Blues.
• Sean Crofts: Sean Crofts is an Australian actor, producer, and writer. He won the Logie Award for Best Guest Actor after appearing in the television show All Saints in 2002.
• Jack Crofts: Jack Crofts is an English footballer who currently plays for the Blackburn Rovers.

Other surnames

Croft