| ![Show Contents]() Cruce History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 France Directly translated, "la croix" means "the cross". It is believed by some sources that the name Lacroix was originally used for a person of importance in the field of religion, such as a priest or bishop. 1 Languedoc is the region of ancient France from which the name Cruce was derived. It comes from when the family lived in Languedoc, where the family has been found since the early Middle Ages. Early Origins of the Cruce familyThe surname Cruce was first found in Languedoc, where this eminent family held a family seat from ancient times. Several members of this illustrious family played a great role in the military and were recognized by their peers for their heroic actions during the wars of their times. In recognition of their contributions towards their communities, several distinctive members of this ancient family were granted lands, titles, and letters of patent confirming their nobility. This family also believed strongly in their faith and as a result, some members entered the clergy. Beginning in 1320, Jean Lacroix is mentioned as a descendant of Guillaume of la Croix, Governor and Seneschal of Montpellier, President in the Court of Aides (Court of tax disputes) and Receiver of the Barony of Castries. Guillaume's two sons, Louis and Geoffroy, founded a family branch in Champagne from Languedoc. Jacques, grandson of Louis La Croix, was a Knight of the Order of Malta in 1568 and was the father of Gaspard and Jean. Jean, Gentleman of the Chamber to the King, was the grandfather of René Gaspard, Marquis of Castries in 1645, Lieutenant General and Knight of the Order of Malta in 1661. The noble house of La Croix of Castries obtained six honors from the Court. Jean François Lacroix was a member of the first Commission and had missions with Danton in Belgium. He was blamed by the Commission of Twenty-One for advising Damouriez not to read his letter to the Convention and was arrested and found guilty because no one defended him except Danton. Early History of the Cruce familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cruce research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1717, 1764, 1783, 1817 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Cruce History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Cruce Spelling VariationsChanges of spelling have occurred in most surnames. The earliest explanation is that during the early development of the French language, names were not yet fixed in spelling. Usually a person gave his version of his name, phonetically, to a scribe, a priest, or a recorder. This depended on accent, and local accents frequently changed the spelling of a name. Some variables were adopted by different branches of the family name. Hence, there are some spelling variations of the name Cruce, including Lacroix, Lacrois, Lacroie, Lacroies, La Croix, Croix, Croixe, Crois, Croise, Cruce, Lacruce, La Cruce, La Croise and many more. Early Notables of the Cruce familyMore information is included under the topic Early Cruce Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Cruce RankingIn the United States, the name Cruce is the 9,146th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2
 Cruce migration to the United States | + |
In 1643, 109 years after the first landings by Cartier, there were only about 300 people in Quebec. Migration was slow. The fur trade attracted migrants, both noble and commoner. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec. By the same year the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Cruce has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Cruce were
Cruce Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- A. Cruce, aged 36, who landed in America, in 1893
Cruce Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Luigi Cruce, aged 21, who landed in America, in 1905
- Pietro Cruce, aged 19, who settled in America, in 1905
- Fernando Cruce, aged 28, who landed in America, in 1919
- Kenneth Cruce, aged 28, who immigrated to the United States, in 1920
- Carlo Cruce, aged 34, who immigrated to America, in 1921
| Cruce migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Cruce Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Mr. John Cruce, British convict who was convicted in Lancashire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, the settlement was listed as abandoned and most of the convicts transported to Tasmania on the "Queen" in 1804 3
| Contemporary Notables of the name Cruce (post 1700) | + |
- W. D. Cruce, American Republican politician, Member of Missouri State House of Representatives from Cedar County; Elected 1950 4
- Lee Cruce (1863-1933), American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Oklahoma, 1908, 1920, 1928; Governor of Oklahoma, 1911-15 4
- Doug Cruce (b. 1947), American Republican politician, Member of Michigan State House of Representatives 71st District, 1981-82; Defeated, 1978; Member of Michigan State Senate 16th District, 1982-91 4
- Lee Cruce (1863-1933), American politician, 2nd Governor of Oklahoma
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Cruce migration to the United States 
Cruce migration to Australia 
