Croager History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Croager finds its origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxons of England. It was given to one who worked as a "grower of saffron," one of the most sought after and expensive spices. Alternatively, the name could have been from an occupation as in "the crocker," a potter, a maker of crocks, From Middle English word "crokke," an earthen pitcher. 1

Early Origins of the Croager family

The surname Croager was first found in Devon where the first record of the family was John le Crochere recorded during the reign of Henry III - Edward I. "By tradition, Crocker is one of the most ancient of Devonshire names. " 2 "Lyneham, for nearly four centuries, was the seat of the great Devonshire family of Crocker. In Yealmpton Church is one of the finest brasses in the county, to Sir John Crocker of Lyneham, cupbearer to Edward IV." 3

Later the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Simon le Crockere and William Crockare in Oxfordshire and the Writs of Parliament in 1301 listed John le Crokere. 1

Hotten's Lists of Emigrants has some early entries for the surname in the United States: 'Richard Crocker, a child, living in Virginia, 1623' and 'Henry Crocker came to Virginia in the Abigail, 1620.'

Other early entries for the family include some early Latin versions: Helias de Creuequor in the Pipe Rolls of Suffolk in 1158; Robert de Creuequoer in the 1195 Pipe Rolls for Kent; Robert de Crouequoer, again in Kent in 1200; Rainald and Alexander Creuker in the Feet of Fines for Lincolnshire in 1212 and finally, Robert de Crequer in Cheshire in 1284. 4

The fictional Betty Crocker was used in advertising campaigns for food and recipes for the Washburn-Crosby Company in 1921. Apparently the name "Betty was selected because it was viewed as a cheery, All-American name. It was paired with the last name Crocker, in honor of William Crocker, a Washburn Crosby Company director." The brand was later bought by General Mills in 1954.

Early History of the Croager family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Croager research. Another 260 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1275, 1641, 1670 and 1741 are included under the topic Early Croager History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Croager Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Croager has been recorded under many different variations, including Croker, Crocker, Croager, Crough, Croaker, Croke and others.

Early Notables of the Croager family

Distinguished members of the family include John (Johann) Croker (1670-1741), a well-known engraver of English coins and medals, of German origin, born at Dresden 21 Oct. 1670. "His father, who...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Croager Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Croager family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Croager or a variant listed above: Edward Crocker of Boston, who was the public executioner in 1684; Daniel Crocker of Boston; Francis Crocker of Marshfield, originally of Barnstaple in Devon.

The Croager Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Deus alit eos
Motto Translation: God feeds them.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)