Cranston, an uncommon yet distinctive given name of American origin, is derived from the surname Cranston, which itself has Scottish and English origins. The name is believed to have been derived from a combination of the Old Norse words 'kran' meaning 'crane', and 'stangr' meaning 'stick or pole'. Hence, Cranston could be interpreted as a reference to a crane standing on a pole. While it may not be as popular as many other given names, its unique sound and historical significance make it an interesting choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Cranston saw its peak popularity between the years of 1953 and 1962, with the highest number of births occurring in 1958 (12 births) and consistent high numbers throughout this period. However, there was a significant decline in popularity after 1964, with birth numbers dropping below 7 annually until the late 1980s. Since then, the name has seen some fluctuations but generally remains less popular than it once was, with only one year (2003) showing more than 5 births since 1990. Overall, there were a total of 364 births with the name Cranston between 1917 and 2010.