Surname Craft - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling the Craft Ancestry: A Journey into Scandinavian Roots and Beyond Through iGENEA

Embarking on a DNA testing journey with iGENEA, unexpectedly revealed a rich and diverse ancestry of the Craft lineage, exploring a trail that uncovered Viking and Jewish roots and direct ties to the Scandinavian royalty, reshaping the understanding of self and inducing a sense of pride in this complex heritage.

W. Craft

Craft: What does the surname Craft mean?

The last name Craft is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word "craeft", meaning "craft", "skill", or "art". It was originally used as an occupational name for a craftsman or a skilled artisan. This surname was mainly given to individuals who were recognized for their skill or ability in various fields such as metalwork, woodwork, or other hand-on tasks. Because of its derivative, it can also be linked to creativity and resourcefulness. Hence, the family with this surname might have been known for their craftsmanship or artistry during ancient times. Surnames were often employed in a practical manner and were derived from the individual’s trade, place of residence, or a notable trait. Therefore, the surname Craft signifies the ancestors' occupational skill set.

Craft: Where does the name Craft come from?

The surname Craft has its origins in the Middle Ages in England and Germany. It is derived from the old English word 'craeft' or the old High German word 'kraft', both meaning skill, power or strength. It was typically occupational, given to people who were skilled in a particular craft or trade such as a craftsman or artisan. It could also be a nickname for someone who was very strong or powerful.

The surname spread to other European countries, and later to the United States and other parts of the world through immigration. Today, the surname Craft is common in the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, it is particularly prevalent in the states of Texas, California, Florida, and Ohio. According to Forebears, a comprehensive genealogical database, the most Crafts reside in the United States, followed by England and Canada. It is the 933rd most common surname in the United States and ranks 1015th in England. Therefore, while the Craft surname is now global, it has stronger concentrations in these specific regions.

Variations of the surname Craft

Craft is an Anglo-saxon surname that originated in England. Variations of this surname that are found in England and other parts of the world are: Crafte, Craftes, Crafton, Craftman, and Craftmann.

Similar sounding surnames related to Craft could be the result of mistranscription, incorrect spelling or phonetic spelling. These might include Croft, Cart, Crofton, Kraft, Krafft, Krafte, Kräft, Kreft, and Krafter.

The German and Dutch equivalent of this surname is Kraft. In Danish and Swedish, a similar surname is Kragh.

The surname Craft may also be spelled with a "C" replaced by a "K", such as with the variant Kraft. This is particularly true within German-speaking countries or populations. Other varieties might include 'silent letters' or surnames with similar pronunciations including Croft or Graft.

Beyond this, it's also possible for the surname to have been adapted or changed dramatically depending on the region, language and culture. Factors like immigration and translation might have also played a significant role in the evolution of the surname Craft and its variants.

Researching genealogy and family history can reveal many more intricate details about the surname Craft and its various forms over time and across different regions.

Famous people with the name Craft

• Chris Craft: Former American basketball player who played in the ABA for the Indiana Pacers.
• Tim Craft: Head coach of the Gardner-Webb University's men's basketball team.
• Orion Craft: A former Olympic hurdler for the United States.
• Bobbie Louise Hawkins Craft: An American short story writer, monologist, and poet.
• Nina Craft: An actress known for her work in TV series like "Brideshead Revisited" and "The Good Companions".
• Robert H. Craft: Former mayor of Gulf Shores, Alabama.
• Sydney Craft Rozen: A renowned author known for a number of non-fiction books.
• Kim Craft: A well-known radio personality.
• Jeff Craft: A professional bodybuilder.
• Kathy Craft: An author of numerous health-related books.
• Linda Craft: Renowned real estate expert and CEO of Linda Craft & Team REALTORS.
• Ellie Kemper (birth name Elizabeth Claire Kemper): An American actress, comedian, and writer. She is known for her role as Erin Hannon in the NBC series "The Office." Ellie's mother, Dorothy Ann, is from the prominent Craft family in Kansas City.
• Thomas Craft: A well-known American conductor.

Other surnames

CraffordCrafoordCraford