Surname Crookshank - Meaning and Origin

Crookshank: What does the surname Crookshank mean?

Crookshank is a surname of Scottish origin, and it is derived from a geographical locality. The name literally means "Crooked bank", with "Crook" meaning a bend, turn, or curve, and "shank" referring to a bank or hillside. The name likely originated to describe a person who lived by a river bank or hillside that was notably crooked or bent. The surname was first found in Lancashire area in North West England. Over time, some individuals or families with the surname migrated to North America and other parts of the world. It's also worth noting that "Crookshank" is a relatively rare surname.

Crookshank: Where does the name Crookshank come from?

The surname Crookshank has notable Scottish origins. It is a topographical surname, which was given to people who resided near a physical feature, in this case, a river with a crooked bank; "Crookshank" refers to 'crooked bank' in old Scots dialect. It first emerged in the region of Liddesdale, located in the Scottish Borders.

The surname's popularity is not confined to Scotland as it migrated with individuals who journeyed to different countries during times of exploration, colonial expansion, and economic hardship. Today, the surname can be found in various regions worldwide, but notably in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. Thus, while it is still common in Scotland, it has made a substantial presence in the broader Anglosphere. Despite its dispersion, it isn't a common surname, and its bearers tend to be scattered across various regions rather than concentrated in one particular area.

Variations of the surname Crookshank

The surname Crookshank is believed to be of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the topographic term for a "crooked hill," a combination of the Old English words ‘crōc’ meaning ‘crook’ or ‘bend’, and ‘scence’ referring to a 'slope' or 'hill'.

There are multiple variants and potential spellings for the surname. These include, but are not limited to: Crookshanks, Cruikshank, Cruikshanks, Cruickshank, Cruickshanks, Croukshank, Croukshanks, Crookeshank and Crookeshanks.

One can also find different derivations of the name, owing to regional dialects, personal preferences, or errors in the recording throughout history. That being said, due to the nature of linguistics and the evolution of language, it's possible additional variants could exist.

It's also worth noting that while Crookshank and its variants are most commonly used as a surname, in some cases they may be used as first names or middle names. The Crookshank's are said to have been numerous in the counties of Aberdeen and Banff, in Scotland.

Famous people with the name Crookshank

• Hermione Gingold: A British actress who was born Hermione Ferdinanda Crookshank
• George Crookshank: A 19th-century British caricaturist and illustrator
• Edmund Hegan Kennard: A British army officer and Conservative politician who was born Edmund Hegan Crookshank
• Ernest Crookshank: A British-Canadian physician and microbiologist
• Rae Crookshank: A British writer and literary critic
• Williams Evans Burton: An English actor and playwright who used the pseudonym W.E. Crookshank.
• Helen Crookshank: An eminent British actor, famous for her contribution to British theater.
• Robert Crookshank: A British caricaturist, illustrator, and portrait miniaturist during the 19th century.

Other surnames

Crookshanks