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![Show Contents]() Crittendant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The name Crittendant is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in the village of Crotynden (Crittenden or Cruttenden) in West Kent. This lost village is thought to have derived its name from the Old English personal name Gu(dh)here + Old English "-ing" and "denn," literally meaning "person living near a woodland pasture." (Oxford) Another source claims the name was derived from "the cot on the lower hill; from cru, a cot; tane, lower, and dun or din, a hill; or it may be the chalk hill, from krit, Saxon, chalk." 1 Early Origins of the Crittendant familyThe surname Crittendant was first found in West Kent at Crittenden. While this is the generally accepted origin of the name one source claims the family originally "came from Criddon, formerly Critendone (Cridela's hill), in Shropshire." 2 Early History of the Crittendant familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Crittendant research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1481 is included under the topic Early Crittendant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Crittendant Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Crittendant were recorded, including Crittenden, Cruttenden, Critenden, Crutenden and many more. Early Notables of the Crittendant familyMore information is included under the topic Early Crittendant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Crittendant familyTo escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Crittendant family emigrate to North America: George Crittenden who arrived in San Francisco in 1852 with his wife, six children, and two servants; Albert Crittenden, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1876.
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
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