Cranston is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. The name is derived from the Old English word "cran" which means crane, the bird, combined with the suffix "-stone," meaning place or town. Thus, Cranston translates to "town where cranes are found." This name has been associated with various locations throughout England and Scotland, such as Cranston in East Lothian, Scotland.
The earliest known usage of the name Cranston can be traced back to medieval England during the 12th century. It was often used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in recent times. Some notable individuals with the surname Cranston include American actor John C. McGinley (born John Christopher McGinley, Jr.), who uses the stage name "Cranston," and British politician Tom Watson, whose full name is Thomas Philip Watson-Cranston.
Although there may not be any specific stories or legends attached to the name Cranston itself, it is possible that families bearing this surname throughout history have developed their own family traditions and lore. Nevertheless, this unique and striking name holds its value as an English given name with a clear and meaningful origin.
In conclusion, Cranston is an uncommon yet captivating male given name of English derivation. Meaning "town where cranes are found," it has been used as both a surname and given name for centuries, with notable individuals such as John C. McGinley and Tom Watson bearing the Cranston name. Despite its lack of associated stories or legends, this unique name holds significant value due to its clear origin and distinctive sound.
The name Cranston has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. Between 1917 and 2010, there were a total of 364 babies named Cranston at birth.
The popularity of the name peaked in the mid-20th century, with the highest number of births occurring in 1958, when 12 babies were named Cranston. This was followed by several years of high usage, with 11 births in both 1955 and 1957.
However, after the late 1960s, the name's popularity began to decline. There were only five births each year from 1964 to 1969, and this pattern continued into the 1980s and 1990s. The lowest point was in 2003, when there was just one birth recorded for the name Cranston.
More recently, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with six births in both 2004 and 2010. Despite this, the name remains relatively rare, with an average of fewer than two births per year since the late 1960s.
Overall, while Cranston was once a moderately popular name in the United States, its usage has declined significantly over time. However, it is important to note that even today, there are still some families who choose this unique and distinctive name for their children.