Show ContentsCruttendan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the Cruttendan surname lived among the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The name comes from when they 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 Cruttendan family

The surname Cruttendan 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 Cruttendan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cruttendan research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1481 is included under the topic Early Cruttendan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cruttendan Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Cruttendan include Crittenden, Cruttenden, Critenden, Crutenden and many more.

Early Notables of the Cruttendan family

More information is included under the topic Early Cruttendan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cruttendan family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: 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.



  1. Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
  2. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print


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