Crosby History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Crosby

What does the name Crosby mean?

The original Gaelic form of the Irish name Crosby was written as Mac an Chrosain, which is derived from the word cros, which means cross.

Early Origins of the Crosby family

The surname Crosby was first found in Leinster, where they held a family seat at Ballymacrossan on the border of Leix and Offaly. There they were an off-shoot of the notable Clan O'Moore which was the leading sept of the 'Seven Clans of Leix'. In Gaelic the surname is "Mac an Chrosain," but more frequently seen in the English form "Crosby" or "Crosbie" which was listed as early as the early 1600s. 1

Early History of the Crosby family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Crosby research. Another 257 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1619, 1621, 1638, 1639, 1658, 1689, 1695 and 1762 are included under the topic Early Crosby History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Crosby Spelling Variations

In the era before dictionaries, there were no rules governing the spelling or translation of names or any other words. Consequently, there are an enormous number of spelling variations in Medieval Scottish names. Crosby has appeared as Crossan, Crossen, McCrossan, McCrossen, MacCrossan, MacCrossin, MacCrossen, Crossin, MacCrosson, McCrosson, Crosson, McCrosin, McCrosen and many more.

Early Notables of the Crosby family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was Patrick McCrossan, Chief of his Clann; John Crosbie, alias Sean Mac an Chrosáin (died 1621), a bishop of the Church of Ireland; and his sons: Sir Walter Crosbie, 1st Baronet, died 4 Aug 1638; David Crosbie (died 1658), died 1658; Sir John Crosbie...
Another 52 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Crosby Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Crosby Ranking

In the United States, the name Crosby is the 758^th most popular surname with an estimated 39,792 people with that name. 2

Crosby migration to the United States +

The freedom, opportunity, and land of the North American colonies beckoned. There, Scots found a place where they were generally free from persecution and where they could go on to become important players in the birth of new nations. Some fought in the American War of Independence, while others went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these Scottish settlers have been able to recover their lost national heritage in the last century through highland games and Clan societies in North America. Among them:

Crosby Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Simon Crosby came in the "Susan and Ellen" sailing ship in 1635 and settled in Braintree, he became a freeman in 1636. His son, also named Simon, became the first innholder in Billerica
Simon Crosby, aged 26, who arrived in New England in 1635 aboard the ship "Susan and Ellin", bound for Cambridge 3
Mrs. Ann Crosby, aged 25, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Susan and Ellin", bound for Cambridge 4
Mr. Thomas Crosby, aged 8 weeks, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship "Susan and Ellin", bound for Cambridge 4
Thomas Crosby, who arrived in Virginia in 1637 3
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Crosby Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Joshua Crosby, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1746 3
Thomas Crosby, who landed in America in 1760-1763 3
Patrick Crosby, aged 19, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1775 3

Crosby Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James Crosby, who arrived in New York in 1801 3
Neal Crosby, aged 24, who landed in New York, NY in 1804 3
Mathew Crosby, who landed in New York, NY in 1817 3
Mr. Crosby, who arrived in Mobile, Ala in 1821 3
Peter Crosby, who arrived in New York in 1822 3
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Crosby migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Crosby Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Abigal Crosby, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Barnett Crosby, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Josiah Crosby, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
William Crosby, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750

Crosby Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Wintrope Crosby, who arrived in Canada in 1828
Israel Crosby, who landed in Canada in 1828
Chancy Crosby, who landed in Canada in 1834
Mr. John Crosby, aged 35 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Dykes" departing 23rd April 1847 from Sligo, Ireland; the ship arrived on 10th June 1847 but he died on board 5
Mr. John Crosby, aged 27 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Dykes" departing 23rd April 1847 from Sligo, Ireland; the ship arrived on 10th June 1847 but he died on board 5

Crosby Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

O Crosby, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
B Crosby, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
Mrs. Crosby, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
Mrs. R Crosby, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
William Crosby, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Crosby migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Crosby Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. George Crosby, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Asia" on 20th July 1837, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 6
Mr. Edward Crosby, English convict who was convicted in Newbury, Berkshire, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Augusta Jessie" on 10th August 1838, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), he died in 1842 7
Charles Crosby, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Orleana" in 1839 8
Daniel Crosby, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Planter" in 1839 9
Charles Crosby, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Orleana" in 1840 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Crosby migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Crosby Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

David Crosby, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1843
Robert Crosby, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Gertrude" in 1863 11
Mr. Robert Crosby, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Gertrude" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 9th February 1863 12
Mr. Crosby, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Zambesi" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 20th September 1863 13
Ms. Crosby, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Zambesi" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 20th September 1863 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Crosby migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 14

Crosby Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Marmaduke Crosby, aged 28, who arrived in Barbados in 1635 aboard the ship "Falcon" 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Crosby (post 1700) +

Sidney Patrick Crosby OC ONS (b. 1987), nicknamed "Sid the Kid," Canadian professional NHL ice hockey player from Halifax, Nova Scotia, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time
David Van Cortlandt Crosby (1941-2023), American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, founding member of the bands: The Byrds; Crosby, Stills & Nash, twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Kathryn Crosby (1933-2024), born Olive Kathryn Grandstaff, an American actress and singer, wife of Bing Crosby
Maxx Robert Crosby (b. 1997), American football defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League
Norman Lawrence "Norm" Crosby (1927-2020), American comedian, frequent guest on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, referred to as "The Master of Malaprop"
LaVon K. Crosby (1924-2016), American politician, member of the Nebraska Senate (1989–2000)
B.J. Crosby (1952-2015), born Joanne Crayton, an American Tony award nominated jazz vocalist, singer, and actress, best known for her performance in the musical, Smokey Joe's Cafe
Robert Edward Crosby (b. 1980), American Major League Baseball infielder, Rookie of the Year in 2004
Percy Leo Crosby (1891-1964), American author, illustrator and cartoonist best known for his popular comic strip Skippy
Denise Michelle Crosby (b. 1957), American actress, best known for portraying Security Chief Tasha Yar in Star Trek: The Next Generation, granddaughter of Bing Crosby
... (Another 22 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Crosby family +

Halifax Explosion

Mr. George Crosby (1891-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 15
Mr. Percy Crosby (1899-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 15

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Edwin Crosby, British Petty Officer Steward, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 16

Pemberton Mill

Miss Irene Crosby, factory worker in the Pemberton Mill on 10th January 1860 when the mill collapsed trapping 900 workers as rescue attempts continued into the night, an oil lantern was knocked over further engulfing the trapped workers in fire, she died

RMS Lusitania

Miss Ellen Crosby, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered 17
Miss Annie Crosby, Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 17

RMS Titanic

Mr. J. Bertram Crosby (d. 1912), aged 42, English Turkish Bath Attendant from London, England who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 18
Mrs. Catherine Elizabeth Crosby, (née Halstead), aged 64, American First Class passenger from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping in life boat 7 18
Captain Edward Crosby (d. 1912), aged 70, American First Class passenger from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett 18
Miss Harriette Rebecca Crosby, aged 39, American First Class passenger from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping in life boat 7 18

The Crosby 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: Indignante invidia florebit justus
Motto Translation: The just man will flourish in spite of envy.

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, More Irish Families. Dublin: Irish Academic Press, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-0126-0)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 71)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 7th February 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1837
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 23rd August 2020 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/augusta-jessie
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) ORLEANA 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Orleana.htm
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PLANTER 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Planter.htm
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) ORLEANA 1840. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1840Orleana.htm
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 12th December 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html