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Show ContentsCrowe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The name Crowe is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a person who bore some fancied resemblance to a crow. This may have been based on appearance, but nicknames often described more intangible strong traits or features of animals. In the Middle Ages, anthropomorphic ideas were common; people attributed human qualities and form to animals, based on the creature's habits. The surname Crowe is derived from the Old English word crowe, which in turn came from the Old English words crawe or crawa, which mean crow.

Early Origins of the Crowe family

The surname Crowe was first found in Norfolk and Suffolk where in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 we found: Ralph Crawe, Norfolk; Geoffrey Crowe, Norfolk; John Crawe, Suffolk; Walrann Crowe, Suffolk; and William Croe, Suffolk. 1

In Somerset, Hugh Crowe was listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of the reign of King Edward III.) 2

Again in Norfolk, William Crawe, vicar of Wigenhale, St. Peter's in 1431 and the same source notes Philip Crowe, Norfolk, 1307; and Richard Crowe was buried there in 1717. 3

Further to the north in Scotland, John Crow and Thomas Crow, were of the diocese of Dunblane, on record, 1470 and Magnus Crow, was a follower of Walter Ross of Morange, 1596 may have derived his name from Croy, Inverness-shire. 4

Early History of the Crowe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Crowe research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1602, 1611, 1616, 1627, 1630, 1632, 1641, 1646, 1668, 1669, 1675, 1683, 1692, 1713, 1717, 1719, 1743, 1781 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Crowe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Crowe Spelling Variations

Crowe has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Crowe have been found, including Crow, Crowe and others.

Early Notables of the Crowe family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

  • Sir John Crowe of Dromore; William Crowe (1616-1675) was an English clergyman and bibliographer from Suffolk; Sir Sackville Crowe, 1st Baronet, (c. 1611-1683) was an English nobleman and politician, T...
  • William Crowe (1616-1675), was an English bibliographer, born in Suffolk in 1616 and was matriculated in the University of Cambridge as a member of Caius College on 14 Dec. 1632. 5
  • William Crowe (d. 1743), was an English divine, educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he proceeded B.A. in 1713, was elected to a fellowship, and commenced M.A. in 1717. 5

Crowe World Ranking

In the United States, the name Crowe is the 1,025th most popular surname with an estimated 29,844 people with that name. 6 However, in Australia, the name Crowe is ranked the 493rd most popular surname with an estimated 7,744 people with that name. 7 And in New Zealand, the name Crowe is the 909th popular surname with an estimated 811 people with that name. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Crowe as 950th with 7,343 people. 9

Ireland Migration of the Crowe family to Ireland

Some of the Crowe family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 79 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Crowe migration to the United States +

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Crowes to arrive on North American shores:

Crowe Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • John Crowe, who settled in Charlestown Massachusetts in 1630
  • Mrs. Elishua Crowe, who landed in Boston in 1633 aboard the ship "Elizabeth Bonaventure", bound for Charlestown 10
  • Adam Crowe, aged 19, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Thomas" 11
  • Roger Crowe, who landed in Virginia in 1638 11
  • Ann Crowe, who landed in Maryland in 1666 11
Crowe Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Andrew Crowe, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1832
  • David Crowe, aged 22, who arrived in Alabama in 1858 11
  • Patrick Crowe, aged 23, who landed in New York in 1864 11
  • Patrick W Crowe, who landed in St Clair County, Illinois in 1870 11
  • John Crowe, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1879 11

Canada Crowe migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Crowe Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Ms. Mary Crowe, aged 21 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Avon" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in July 1847 12
  • Mrs. ? Crowe, aged 28 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Saguenay" departing 5th June 1847 from Cork, Ireland; the ship arrived on 22nd August 1847 but she died on board 13
Crowe Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • Mrs. Crowe, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
  • G W Crowe, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Australia Crowe migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Crowe Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • John Crowe, English convict from London, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on May 29, 1828, settling in New South Wales, Australia 14
  • Mr. James Crowe, (b. 1791), aged 38, Irish shoe maker who was convicted in County Clare, Ireland for 7 years for manslaughter, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 2nd March 1829, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), he died in 1830 15
  • Elizabeth Crowe, English convict from Lancaster, who was transported aboard the "Arab" on December 14, 1835, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 16
  • Mrs. Anne Crowe, (b. 1805), aged 32, Irish maid who was convicted in County Offaly (King's County), Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Diamond" on 29th November 1837, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, listed as having 1 daughter 17
  • Mr. Edward Crowe, (b. 1816), aged 22, Irish labourer who was convicted in County Clare, Ireland for 10 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Clyde" on 11th May 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Crowe migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Crowe Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Edward Crowe, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • Mr. Patrick Crowe, Irish settler from Drumgriffin travelling from Leith aboard the ship 'Melbourne' arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 18th March 1861 19
  • Miss Helen Crowe, Irish settler from Drumgriffin travelling from Leith aboard the ship 'Melbourne' arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 18th March 1861 19
  • Mr. John Crowe, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Mersey" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 11th June 1861 19
  • Thomas Crowe, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Surat" in 1864
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

West Indies Crowe migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 20
Crowe Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. William Crowe, (Crome), (b. 1618), aged 17, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 21
  • Benj Crowe, who settled in Barbados in 1685

Contemporary Notables of the name Crowe (post 1700) +

  • Francis Trenholm Crowe (b. 1882), American chief engineer of the Hoover Dam
  • James Dee "J.D." Crowe (1937-2021), American banjo player and bluegrass band leader, known for his four-year stint with Jimmy Martin in the 1950s and later the leader of the bluegrass group New South from 1971 until his death in 2021
  • Trevor Thornton Crowe (b. 1983), American Major League Baseball outfielder
  • Steve Crowe (b. 1947), American former Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance for Chevron Corporation
  • Henry Pierson Crowe (1899-1991), American legendary Marine, recipient of the Navy Cross, Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom), Legion of Merit (Combat V), Bronze Star Medal (3 gold stars) and Purple Heart Medal (gold star)
  • Clem F. Crowe (1903-1983), American NFL and CFL football coach
  • Allen Crowe (1928-1963), American racecar driver from York, Illinois
  • Admiral William James Crowe Jr. (1925-2007), American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1985-1989) and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Cameron Crowe (b. 1957), American screenwriter and film director
  • Eyre Evans Crowe (1799-1868), English journalist and historian, born at Redbridge, Southampton, 20 March 1799, the son of David Crowe, captain in an East India regiment 22
  • ... (Another 17 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Dorsetshire
  • Thomas Budge Crowe, British Boy Bugler aboard the HMS Dorsetshire (1945) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 23
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. George Frederick Crowe, aged 30, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 14 24
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Cecil Thomas Crowe, American Gunner's Mate Second Class from Kentucky, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 25

Suggested Readings for the name Crowe +

  • Crowe Family History 1700 to 1972 by Marjorie Seward Cleveland.
  • People of Purpose by Garland Crowe DuPree.
  • Some of the Descendants of Revolutionary Veteran, John Crow, 1740-1830 (including the Crowe Family) by Howard Crosby Smiley.
  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  3. Rye, Walter, A History of Norfolk. London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, 1885. Print
  4. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  5. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  6. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  7. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  8. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  9. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  10. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  11. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  12. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 22)
  13. Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 71)
  14. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 24) Albion voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1828 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/albion/1828
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
  16. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2015, January 8) Arab voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1835 with 132 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/arab/1835
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Diamond
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/clyde
  19. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  21. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  22. Wikisource contributors. "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900." Wikisource . Wikisource , 4 Jun. 2018. Web. 30 June 2020
  23. Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
  24. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  25. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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