Cruste History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Cruste

What does the name Cruste mean?

The name Cruste is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a strong-willed person. The surname Cruste 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 Cruste family

The surname Cruste 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 Cruste family

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

Cruste Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Cruste have been found, including Crust, Cruste, Crouste, Crost, Croste, Crusta, Crast and many more.

Early Notables of the Cruste family

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

Migration of the Cruste family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Cruste surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: 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.