NameCensus.

UK surname

Cragg

A topographic surname derived from the Old Norse word "kragr" meaning a crag or rocky hill.

In the 1881 census there were 1,905 people recorded with the Cragg surname, ranking it #2,288 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,257, ranked #2,878, down from #2,288 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Lancaster Borough, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard and London parishes. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Lancaster and East Lindsey.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Cragg is 2,697 in 1911. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 18.5%.

1881 census count

1,905

Ranked #2,288

Modern count

2,257

2016, ranked #2,878

Peak year

1911

2,697 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Cragg had 1,905 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,288 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,257 in 2016, ranked #2,878.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,697 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Cragg surname distribution map

The map shows where the Cragg surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Cragg surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Cragg over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1,416 #2,037
1861 historical 1,443 #1,971
1881 historical 1,905 #2,288
1891 historical 2,132 #2,183
1901 historical 2,406 #2,257
1911 historical 2,697 #1,921
1997 modern 2,421 #2,600
1998 modern 2,465 #2,651
1999 modern 2,487 #2,647
2000 modern 2,441 #2,675
2001 modern 2,363 #2,694
2002 modern 2,404 #2,708
2003 modern 2,337 #2,719
2004 modern 2,280 #2,767
2005 modern 2,198 #2,842
2006 modern 2,234 #2,796
2007 modern 2,250 #2,798
2008 modern 2,256 #2,816
2009 modern 2,310 #2,825
2010 modern 2,354 #2,833
2011 modern 2,307 #2,851
2012 modern 2,231 #2,886
2013 modern 2,281 #2,878
2014 modern 2,305 #2,860
2015 modern 2,259 #2,887
2016 modern 2,257 #2,878

Geography

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Where Craggs are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Lancaster Borough, Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard, London parishes, Lytham and Preston. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Lancaster and East Lindsey. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Lancaster Borough Lancashire
2 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
3 London parishes London 3
4 Lytham Lancashire
5 Preston Lancashire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Lancaster 019 Lancaster
2 Lancaster 011 Lancaster
3 Lancaster 020 Lancaster
4 East Lindsey 013 East Lindsey
5 Lancaster 013 Lancaster

Forenames

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First names often paired with Cragg

These lists show first names that appear often with the Cragg surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Cragg

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Cragg, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Cragg surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Cragg household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Cragg is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Cragg is most concentrated in decile 4 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Cragg falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Cragg is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Cragg, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Cragg

The surname Cragg is believed to have originated in England, with the earliest known records dating back to the late 12th century. It is derived from the Old English word "cragg," meaning a steep rock or crag, suggesting that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived near a prominent rocky hill or cliff.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire from the year 1195, where a person named Robert de Cragge is mentioned. This spelling variation indicates that the name was likely associated with a specific location or area known for its rocky terrain.

During the Middle Ages, the Cragg surname was particularly prevalent in the northern counties of England, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Westmorland (now part of Cumbria). This region is known for its rugged and mountainous landscapes, which may have contributed to the name's origin and prevalence in those areas.

While the Cragg surname does not appear in the Domesday Book of 1086, it is possible that some of the individuals listed with similar-sounding names, such as "de Crag" or "de Cragge," may have been early ancestors of the Cragg family.

One notable historical figure with the surname Cragg was John Cragg (born around 1550), an English theologian and clergyman who served as the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry in the late 16th century.

Another prominent individual was Sir Thomas Cragg (1632-1690), an English lawyer and judge who became Baron of the Exchequer in 1683. He played a significant role in the legal and judicial system during the latter part of the 17th century.

In the realm of literature, James Cragg (1743-1798) was an English poet and essayist who published several works, including "The Borough" and "Tales of the Hall," which gained him recognition in literary circles.

In the military, Lieutenant General Sir John Cragg (1770-1841) was a notable figure who served in the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars and later became the Governor of the Bahamas.

More recently, Robert Cragg (1911-1989) was a British actor and playwright who appeared in numerous television and film productions throughout the mid-20th century.

These are just a few examples of individuals with the surname Cragg who have left their mark in various fields throughout history, reflecting the rich and diverse heritage associated with this English surname.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Cragg families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Cragg surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 550 Craggs recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.50x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 550 2.50x
Yorkshire 227 1.24x
Lincolnshire 198 6.68x
Cheshire 142 3.47x
Nottinghamshire 140 5.60x
Middlesex 99 0.53x
Westmorland 92 22.59x
Leicestershire 63 3.07x
Sussex 62 1.98x
Durham 57 1.03x
Surrey 44 0.49x
Hampshire 31 0.82x
Devon 26 0.67x
Warwickshire 23 0.49x
Cambridgeshire 21 1.79x
Cumberland 17 1.07x
Derbyshire 17 0.59x
Staffordshire 16 0.26x
Kent 13 0.21x
Northumberland 10 0.36x
Worcestershire 10 0.41x
Suffolk 8 0.35x
Hertfordshire 7 0.55x
Essex 5 0.14x
Berkshire 4 0.29x
Brecknockshire 3 0.81x
Glamorgan 3 0.09x
Northamptonshire 3 0.17x
Oxfordshire 3 0.26x
Caernarfonshire 2 0.27x
Gloucestershire 2 0.06x
Isle of Man 1 0.29x
Wiltshire 1 0.06x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Preston in Lancashire leads with 70 Craggs recorded in 1881 and an index of 11.90x.

Place Total Index
Preston 70 11.90x
Lancaster 54 41.27x
Kendal 37 49.62x
Halifax 31 11.50x
Nottingham St Mary 27 4.18x
St Pancras London 23 1.54x
Burton Joyce 22 516.43x
Habergham Eaves 21 10.45x
Spittlegate 20 48.79x
Falmer 18 491.80x
Barrow In Furness 16 5.35x
Castleton 16 7.28x
Great Grimsby 16 8.51x
Sutton St James 15 420.17x
Colne 14 21.37x
Colton 14 122.16x
Leicester St Margaret 14 2.79x
Snenton 14 14.26x
Toxteth Park 14 1.88x
Westoe 14 4.48x
Wigan 14 4.56x
Caythorpe 13 228.47x
Dent 13 169.27x
Dodworth 13 68.13x
Dry Doddington 13 909.09x
Layton With Warbreck 13 16.11x
Lostock Gralam 13 263.69x
Manchester 13 1.31x
Scotforth 13 90.97x
Stockport 13 6.17x
Brinnington 12 31.40x
Hay Hutton In Hay 12 888.89x
Lower Allithwaite 12 227.70x
Manningham 12 5.30x
New Sleaford 12 63.19x
Ardwick 11 5.54x
Basford 11 9.55x
Birmingham 11 0.71x
Caton 11 159.65x
Chorlton On Medlock 11 3.15x
Macclesfield 11 6.05x
Monkwearmouth Shore 11 10.22x
North Meols 11 5.11x
Portsea 11 1.48x
Rainow 11 134.97x
Tydd St Giles 11 196.43x
Whittington 11 500.00x
Aston 10 0.78x
Bradford 10 2.25x
Burnley 10 5.40x
Holme 10 202.43x
Marton 10 68.40x
Nottingham St Nicholas 10 29.39x
St Martin Lincoln 10 36.36x
Broughton In Salford 9 4.48x
Heaton Norris 9 7.19x
Leeds 9 0.87x
Long Sleddale 9 1046.51x
Lutton 9 184.05x
Quorndon 9 78.06x
Shoreditch London 9 1.12x
Upwell 9 104.65x
Wardleworth 9 7.16x
Altrincham 8 11.19x
Bootle Cum Linacre 8 4.58x
Brighton 8 1.27x
Broadwater 8 11.16x
Broom 8 175.05x
Everton 8 1.14x
Fulham London 8 2.98x
Henfield 8 66.67x
Hulme 8 1.74x
Lowestoft 8 7.50x
Salford 8 1.24x
Skipton 8 13.84x
Accrington 7 3.50x
Chelsea London 7 1.25x
North Shields 7 12.72x
Stoke Damerel 7 2.59x
Westborough 7 608.70x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Cragg surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Cragg surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

FAQ

Cragg surname: questions and answers

How common was the Cragg surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,905 people were recorded with the Cragg surname. That placed it at #2,288 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Cragg surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,257 in 2016. That gives Cragg a modern rank of #2,878.

What does the Cragg surname mean?

A topographic surname derived from the Old Norse word "kragr" meaning a crag or rocky hill.

What does the Cragg map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Cragg bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.