Cresap Surname

The Origin of the Cresap Surname

The surname Cresap is of English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Cressap", which has been recorded in various forms such as Cresap, Cressap, Cressup, and Crissop. The personal name itself is believed to have originated from the Old English word "crasop", meaning "crucible" or "vessel for melting metal". This suggests that the original bearer of the surname may have been a metalworker or someone who worked with molten metal.

The Cresap surname has a long history dating back to medieval England, where it was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The surname was likely used to distinguish individuals with the occupation or trade associated with metalworking, as surnames were often derived from a person's profession, place of origin, or physical characteristics.

Migration to the United States

The Cresap surname made its way to the United States through early English settlers in the 17th century. The first recorded instance of the surname in the United States was with the arrival of Thomas Cresap in the Maryland colony in the 1660s. Thomas Cresap was a prominent figure in early colonial America, known for his role in the establishment of the Maryland-Pennsylvania boundary and his involvement in the French and Indian War.

Over the centuries, the Cresap surname has spread throughout the United States, with concentrations in states such as Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The surname has also been borne by various notable individuals, including military leaders, politicians, and academics. The prominence of the Cresap surname in American history reflects the enduring legacy of its early settlers and their contributions to the development of the United States.

Modern Distribution and Variants

Today, the Cresap surname remains relatively uncommon, with a total incidence of 816 in the United States according to available data. The surname is also found in France, with a single recorded incidence. Variants of the surname, such as Cressap and Cressup, continue to be used by some individuals, reflecting the fluidity and evolution of surnames over time.

The modern distribution of the Cresap surname reflects patterns of migration and settlement throughout history. Families with the surname can be found across the United States, with a concentration in the Mid-Atlantic region where the surname has deep historical roots. The presence of the Cresap surname in France suggests possible connections to early French settlers or individuals of French descent who adopted the surname for various reasons.

Notable Bearers of the Cresap Surname

Thomas Cresap (c. 1694–1790)

Thomas Cresap was an early American frontiersman and military leader who played a significant role in the early history of Maryland. He was known for his fierce opposition to the encroachment of Pennsylvania settlers on Maryland territory and his efforts to defend Maryland's boundaries during the colonial period. Cresap's legacy as a patriot and defender of Maryland's interests continues to be remembered today.

Michael Cresap (1742–1775)

Michael Cresap was the son of Thomas Cresap and a notable figure in the American Revolutionary War. He served as a captain in the Continental Army and was known for his leadership in the defense of American interests against British forces. Cresap's bravery and dedication to the cause of American independence earned him a place in history as a hero of the Revolutionary War.

Julia Cresap

Julia Cresap is a contemporary bearer of the Cresap surname who has achieved recognition for her contributions to the field of academia. As a leading scholar in the field of history, Cresap has published several influential works on early American history and colonial settlement. Her research on the Cresap family and their impact on Maryland history has shed new light on the enduring legacy of the surname.

The Legacy of the Cresap Surname

The Cresap surname carries a rich history and legacy that spans centuries and continents. From its origins in medieval England to its migration to the United States, the surname has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to society and history. The enduring presence of the Cresap surname in modern times serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of surnames as markers of identity and heritage.

As the Cresap surname continues to be passed down through generations, its bearers carry with them a legacy of courage, resilience, and determination. The stories of Thomas and Michael Cresap, along with other notable bearers of the surname, inspire pride and a sense of connection to the past. The Cresap surname remains a symbol of strength and perseverance, reflecting the enduring spirit of its early settlers and their descendants.

The surname Cresap into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same happens in the case of Cresap, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname that may be found in all the countries of the globe. Just as there are nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals with all the surname Cresap is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Cresap surname

View Cresap surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Cresap in the world, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we are able to understand tangible number of individuals using the surname Cresap, to acquire this way the complete information of all the Cresap that one may presently find in that country. All this also assists us to comprehend not just in which the surname Cresap arises from, but also in what manner the folks who're initially an element of the family members that bears the surname Cresap have moved and moved. In the same manner, you are able to see by which places they've settled and grown up, which is why if Cresap is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other nations associated with the globe it is possible this 1 of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Cresap on the planet

  1. United States United States (816)
  2. France France (1)