The Cross Family History

What Does the Cross Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Cross, of English origin, derives from the Old English word ‘cruc’ and the Latin term ‘crux,’ both of which denote an individual residing near a stone cross. Additionally, it may pertain to someone who bore the cross during religious processions. Variants of the surname include Crozier, Croise, Crosse, Croice, Croce, and McCrossen, while in French, it appears as Lacroix. In England, the distribution of the Cross surname is concentrated in regions such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, London, Essex, and Somerset. In Scotland, the surname is found throughout the country, predominantly in Lanarkshire. In the United States, the Cross name is chiefly represented in states including Illinois, Ohio, New York, California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Iowa, and Michigan. Notable individuals bearing the Cross surname include Ben Cross, an English actor; Edward Ephraim Cross, a Colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War; Howard Cross, a professional football player; Marcia Cross, an actress; Richard Cross, an opera singer; Zora Cross, an Australian poet; Ronald Anthony Cross, an author; and Lave Cross, a professional baseball player.