Surname Crosby - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Ancient Origins and Vibrant Journey of the 'Crosby' Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test

My iGENEA DNA test has provided an engaging exploration of my surname, Crosby. Featuring the rich tapestry of history and culture associated with it, the test results have unveiled the fascinating origins and broad dispersal of the Crosby lineage. From ancient Britain and medieval Europe to the New World, my analysis has illuminated the remarkable journey that my forbearers embarked on.

Y. Crosby

Crosby: What does the surname Crosby mean?

The surname Crosby is of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse words 'Kross' and 'býr' which mean 'cross' and 'settlement' respectively. Therefore, the name is often translated to mean 'village with the cross'. This is most likely in reference to a location or area that was distinguished by a cross landmark, such as a crossroads or a church cross. The name could have been used to identify individuals who resided near such a prominent feature. It is also associated with several places named Crosby in England and Scotland. The surname Crosby is very common in countries with a history of Viking invasions, such as the United Kingdom, particularly in the north, and Scandinavian countries. Overall, Crosby is a geographic surname, also known as a toponymic surname, referring to an identifiable location which eventually got associated with the bearers of the name.

Crosby: Where does the name Crosby come from?

The surname Crosby is of English origin, descending from the Viking settlers in the Middle Ages. The word comes from the Old Norse "Kross-býr," which translates to "village with the cross." Over time, this was Anglicized to "Crosby." The name was typically given to people who resided in one of the places named Crosby in Lancashire or Cumbria.

There are also multiple localized versions of Crosby in Northumberland, Merseysaid, and Cumbria. Often, the inhabitants of these areas would be called “Crosby” after migrating, as a way to identify their origins.

Today, this surname is common in many English-speaking countries and regions. These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The United States, in particular, has a significant distribution of people with the surname Crosby, thanks in large part to early immigrant settlers. In addition, the name Crosby is chronically associated with the United States due to the fame of the American singer Bing Crosby.

Variations of the surname Crosby

The surname Crosby has several variants such as Crosbie, Crossby, Crosbey and Crosbee. The spelling of the name can also change over time and between regions, with some examples including Crosbey, Crosbie, Crosby and Crossby. Many of these variations in spelling can be attributed to phonetic misspellings at the time of record-keeping, given that literacy rates were lower in the past.

The name originated from several places named Crosby in northern England. It is of Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse origin, the latter coming from Scandinavian settlers in the British Isles. The term Crosby in Old Norse translates to 'cross settlement' or ‘village with the cross’. Those who held the name typically lived near a cross or a crossing.

The surname Crosby is not necessarily associated with any particular family name or line of descent, as it was often taken from the place where people lived or where they were born. It can often be unrelated to other people with the same name, especially when used in differing geographic locations. Hence, Crosby and its variants may have many unrelated origins.

Famous people with the name Crosby

• Bing Crosby: An iconic American singer, comedian, and actor.
• Sidney Crosby: A renowned Canadian professional ice hockey player.
• David Crosby: An American singer-songwriter and musician, known for his work with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
• Robbin Crosby: Former guitarist for the American glam metal band Ratt.
• Cathy Lee Crosby: An American actress best known for the TV series “That’s Incredible!”
• Norm Crosby: A stand-up comedian often associated with his use of malapropism.
• Mary Crosby: An American actress, notably in the soap opera "Dallas", and also Bing Crosby's daughter.
• Fanny Crosby: A famous American hymn writer and poetess.
• George Crosby: An American jazz singer and the younger brother of Bing Crosby.
• Chris Crosby: A retired professional American baseball player.
• Harry Crosby: An American heir, bon vivant, poet, and publisher.
• Everett Crosby: An American talent agent and the older brother of Bing Crosby.
• Denise Crosby: An American actress known for portraying Security Chief Tasha Yar in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
• Nathaniel Crosby: An American golfer and son of Bing Crosby.
• Philip Crosby: A noted quality management guru and son of Bing Crosby.

Other surnames

CrosbeyCrosbie