This name, with variant spellings Crake and Creyk, is of northern English locational origin from a place in the North Riding of Yorkshire called Crayke. Recorded as Crec in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, dated 685 A.D. and as Creic in the Domesday Book of 1086, the name derives from the Olde Welsh "Creic" (modern "Craig") meaning a rock. The place is, in fact, situated on a ridge. The surname is first recorded in the latter half of the 13th Century, (see below). Henry de Crake of Dumfriesshire, who rendered homage in 1296, was an early namebearer in Scotland.
One, Philipus de Crayk appears in the 1379 "Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire" and in 1435 Walter Blakeder (Scotland). In 1453 Andrew Craik witnessd a "letter of sesing of the hold of Dumdurnach" (from "Collections for a history of the shires of Aberdeen and Banff). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ralph (de) Crake, which was dated 1273, in the "Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname crake is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of crake. Research into the possible origins of crake leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.
It is common for surnames like crake to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that crake has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where crake is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname crake can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of crake. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named crake are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname crake, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of crake could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all crakes who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname crake, even though not all have been documented to our present day.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname crake. The bibliography collects information related to the surname crake, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of crake, and at the same time, of surnames in general.