Surname Crumb - Meaning and Origin
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Crumb: What does the surname Crumb mean?
Crumb is a rare English surname that was derived from the Old English word, "crumb," which originally meant "curved" or "bent." It was often used as a nickname for someone who was stooped or crippled. The surname may have originated to identify a person with a curvature of the spine, or a person with a physical deformity. The variations of the surname Crumb include Crum, Crom, Crombe, and Crumble. As with many other surnames, Crumb was also likely used to identify someone based on where they lived — for instance, “by the bend (in the road, river, etc.)”. It is not a very common surname, and is most prevalent in the United States. Noteworthy individuals with the last name Crumb include underground comic artist Robert Crumb, composer George Crumb, and blues musician Frank Stokes, also known as Frank Crumb. As a surname, Crumb is an example of how the physical characteristics, profession or location of an ancestor might shape the family name for subsequent generations.
Order DNA origin analysisCrumb: Where does the name Crumb come from?
The surname Crumb originates from the early medieval English period, though it may have earlier origins in pre 7th century Norse-Viking. Crumb is derived from an Old Norse personal name, 'Krumr', translating to 'crooked' or 'bent.' It was likely used as a nickname for someone with a physical deformity or distinctive trait.
Like many surnames that originated from nicknames, Crumb would have initially been used to distinguish individuals with similar first names in small communities. Overtime, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
Crumb is not a particularly common surname today, but most bearers of the surname are found in the United States. According to recent census data, there are roughly 5,000 individuals with the surname Crumb in the U.S, followed by smaller populations in Canada, England, and Australia. This spread largely reflects patterns of English-speaking emigration throughout history. Notably, the surname Crumb gained some recognition from the famous American cartoonist, Robert Crumb.
Variations of the surname Crumb
The surname Crumb originates from Central Europe and is commonly associated with Germany. It's an occupational surname derived from Middle High German "krum," which means "crooked” or “bent,” often given to a person with a hunchback or crooked back.
Several variants and similar surnames include:
1. Krumm: A direct variation of the surname common in Germany.
2. Crum: This is an Anglicized version of the surname, frequently found in English-speaking countries.
3. Crump: Another English version, possibly deriving from the Old English word "crump," meaning "crooked" or "bent."
4. Crome: Possibly a variant in some countries, although Crome can also be of English origin.
5. Krum: Similar to Krumm, this is a version likely found among German-speaking populations.
6. Crom: Another potential variant, more common in Dutch and Belgian communities.
7. Krumb: A less common spelling, but potentially used in some German or Central European families.
Remember, spelling variations for surnames often occurred even within the same family, due to levels of literacy and differences in regional dialects in the past. Thus, many different spellings may be associated with the same original surname.
Famous people with the name Crumb
- Robert Crumb: An American cartoonist and musician, Robert Crumb is known for his distinctive style and satirical tone. He is often credited as a pioneer of the underground comix movement in the 1960s.
- Sophie Crumb: As the daughter of Robert Crumb, Sophie Crumb also pursued a career as an artist and comic book creator. She made her first illustrations when she was just two years old and continues to contribute to the world of comix.
- Charles Crumb: The older brother of Robert Crumb, Charles was also a cartoonist. He is often credited alongside Robert as a co-founder of the underground comix movement.
- Aline Kominsky-Crumb: An American underground comic book artist, Aline is married to Robert Crumb and together they have published numerous works.
- Maxon Crumb: Another brother of Robert Crumb, Maxon is an artist and author who also dabbled in the underground comix scene.
- George Crumb: George Crumb is an American composer of modern classical and avant-garde music. He won a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1968.
- Jessica Crumb: The daughter of Aline Kominsky-Crumb and Robert Crumb, Jessica Crumb also follows an artistic path as a painter and writer.