The surname Crater is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "cræt," which means "a small vessel or a basket." This name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who made or sold baskets or other woven containers.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Crater dates back to the 13th century in Yorkshire, England. In the Hundred Rolls of 1273, there is a record of a person named William le Cratere, which translates to "William the Basket Maker."
In the 14th century, the surname appeared in various forms, such as Cratere, Crateur, and Crateour, reflecting the evolution of spelling and pronunciation over time. One notable example is John Cratour, who was mentioned in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in 1317.
The Crater surname is also found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1327, where a person named Roger le Cratere was documented. This record provides evidence of the surname's presence in different regions of England during the medieval period.
One of the earliest known individuals with the surname Crater was William Crater, who lived in Gloucestershire in the late 14th century. He was mentioned in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Badminton in 1388.
In the 16th century, the surname Crater appeared in various records, including the Parish Registers of Oxfordshire. One notable figure was John Crater, a landowner who lived in Oxfordshire in the mid-1500s.
Another historical figure with the surname Crater was Thomas Crater, a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of London during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He was born in 1560 and served as the Master of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers in 1610.
In the 18th century, the Crater surname was found in various parts of England, including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Worcestershire. One notable individual was Samuel Crater, a farmer and landowner who lived in Gloucestershire in the mid-1700s.
During the 19th century, the Crater surname continued to be present in England, with individuals recorded in census records and parish registers. One notable figure was William Crater, a prominent industrialist and manufacturer who lived in Yorkshire in the late 1800s.
Overall, the surname Crater has a rich history in England, dating back to the 13th century, and is derived from an occupational term related to basket making or weaving. It has been found in various regions across the country and has been associated with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including merchants, landowners, and industrialists.