Surname Cross - Meaning and Origin

Decoding My Ancestry: A DNA Analysis of My Surname 'Cross' with iGENEA

Digging deep into ancestral mysteries, my DNA test with iGENEA revealed some fascinating insights about my lineage and the origin of my surname 'Cross'. It was more than just an exploration - it was a journey through time, ultimately redefining my sense of identity and heritage.

J. Cross

Cross: What does the surname Cross mean?

The last name "Cross" is of English origin and derives from a geographical location or feature. During the Middle Ages, a large stone cross would often mark the market place or central intersection of towns. Those who inhabited near such crosses were often referred to as "atte Crosse" meaning "at the Cross". These phrases were often adopted as surnames. The "Cross" surname can also refer to a person who carried the Christian cross in religious processions, as a nickname for someone with a cross temper, or someone who lived on a crossroads. Alternatively, it may have also been used to denote someone who had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, represented by the symbol of the Cross. The name gained more popularity after the Crusades, a series of religious wars in the medieval period. Variations of the surname include Crosse, Crossman, Crosser, among others.

Cross: Where does the name Cross come from?

The surname Cross has both English and Irish origins. In England, this last name is derived from the Old Norse "kross" particularly used in Northern England and derives from residence by a stone cross set up by the roadside or in a marketplace. It was utilized to denote somebody who lived near such a landmark.

In Ireland, the name Cross is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic 'Ó Crosoin' or 'Mac Crossan', meaning 'descendant of Crossán'. The word 'Crossán' combines the elements 'cross', derived from 'cros', and a diminutive suffix '-an', which translates to 'little cross'.

This surname is distributed all across the world but is most commonly found today in English speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.

It is worth noting that due to the widespread use and various origins of this surname, the surname Cross may have additional meanings and origins that aren't mentioned here.

Variations of the surname Cross

The surname "Cross" has several variant spellings that have surfaced over the years, often due to translation between languages and differences in regional pronunciation.

Variations of the name Cross could include Crose, Crossman, Croce, Cros, Crosse, Crouse, Crowse, and Crosser. It has also been Latinized as Crucius. The surnames "Cruz" and "De la Cruz" from Spanish-speaking cultures also translate to Cross.

The spelling can occasionally be influenced by the location of the family, such as families living near crosses would adopt the name Cross, leading to variants such as Crossland.

The variations of the name also extend to surnames that originated from occupations. For example, an ancestor of the Cross family may have been a maker or seller of crosses and would thus have the surname "Crossman" or "Crosser."

It is also important to note that the surname Cross may not always have the same origin, as it is common in multiple countries, including England, Ireland, and Germany. In each of these countries, the surname may have different regional variations and meanings.

Famous people with the name Cross

• David Cross: American actor, comedian, and writer known for HBO's Mr. Show.
• Christopher Cross: Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter best known for hits like "Sailing."
• Marcia Cross: American actress best known for her roles in "Desperate Housewives" and "Melrose Place."
• Amanda Cross: Pen-name of American author and Columbia University English professor Carolyn Gold Heilbrun.
• A. J. Cross: English author known for the Francis Sullivan series of crime novels.
• Benjamin Cross: English actor, known for his roles in "Chariots of Fire" and "First Knight."
• Joseph Cross: American actor known for his roles in "Milk" and "Running with Scissors."
• Richard Cross: English professional rugby league footballer.
• Cross Yu: Taiwanese actor who debuted in the critically acclaimed film "Kano."
• Rozlynn Jakes Cross: American gospel singer and ex-wife of popular Christian televangelist T.D. Jakes.
• Neil Cross: English novelist and screenwriter, known for creating the critically acclaimed crime drama "Luther."
• Betty Cross: historical novelist from North Carolina.
• Tom Cross: American film editor who won an Academy Award for his work on "Whiplash."
• Edith Hope Cross: professional tennis player.
• F. L. Cross: Theologian and Anglican cleric, editor of "The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church".

Other surnames

CrosCrosairCrosareCrosbeyCrosbieCrosbyCrosdaleCroseCroserCroshawCrosherCrosierCrosirCroskeryCroskeyCroskreyCroslandCrosleyCroslinCroslowCrosmanCrosnierCrosnoCrosonCrossanCrossarCrossdaleCrosseCrossenCrosser