Crusta History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Crusta

What does the name Crusta mean?

Crusta is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was a name given to a strong-willed person. The surname Crusta was originally derived from the Old French word crouste, which means crust of bread, and was used to describe someone who was "hard as crust." 1

"But the surname is found so widely scattered in the 13th century that I feel sure in many cases it is a personal name, probably a nick, of Christian or Christopher. Both were favorites at the time." 2

Early Origins of the Crusta family

The surname Crusta was first found in Cambridgeshire, where Herveus Cruste was first listed in 1109. Later, Robert Crust was recorded in the Feet of Fines for Lincolnshire in 1208 FFL and Nicholas Crouste was found in the the Subsidy Rolls for Worcestershire in 1275. 1

A search through the Hundredorum Rolls of 1271 proved the widespread use of the name by that time: Geoffrey de Crusta, Herefordshire; Stephen Cruste, Yorkshire; John Crust, Essex; Amicia Cruste, Oxfordshire; and Roger Cruste, Suffolk. 2

"Lincolnshire seems to be the chief habitat of the surname in the 19th century. Since writing the above I am led to ask the question, Is it not local, and a form of Cross?" 2

Somerset records show Philip de Crast, Somerset, 1 Edward III; Thomas atte Crost, Somerset; and Rogeratte Crost, Somerset. 3

Early History of the Crusta family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Crusta research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1109, 1208, 1273, 1327 and 1668 are included under the topic Early Crusta History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Crusta Spelling Variations

Before 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 Crusta were recorded, including Crust, Cruste, Crouste, Crost, Croste, Crusta, Crast and many more.

Early Notables of the Crusta family

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

Migration of the Crusta family

To 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 Crusta family emigrate to North America: Thomas Crust who sailed to Virginia in 1620.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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.