Show ContentsCruttendane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Cruttendane comes from the family having resided 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 Cruttendane family

The surname Cruttendane 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 Cruttendane family

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

Cruttendane Spelling Variations

Cruttendane has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Crittenden, Cruttenden, Critenden, Crutenden and many more.

Early Notables of the Cruttendane family

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

Migration of the Cruttendane family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Cruttendanes to arrive on North American shores: 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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