Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Crossley

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Cross Clearing or Cross Meadow

      Variations

      Crosslee, Crosley, Chessley
      The name Crossley derives from Old English roots, specifically combining the elements cross and leah, which translates to cross clearing or cross meadow. This suggests a geographical feature, likely referring to a piece of land marked by a cross or significant to Christian traditions, surrounded by natural open space. As a surname, it typically identifies familial lineage originating from a specific locale characterized by these features.

      Historically, the name Crossley can be traced back to medieval England, particularly linked to the geographic areas in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The presence of the name in historical records, such as land grants and parish registries, indicates that families bearing the name were settled in these regions from at least the 13th century. Additionally, the name is associated with various notable figures throughout English history, contributing to its legacy both as a surname and as a place identity.

      In contemporary society, the name Crossley can still be found throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, retaining its status as a family name. It has also gained recognition as a given name in recent years, reflecting a trend toward unique and historical surnames being repurposed as first names. Furthermore, Crossley is associated with various businesses and institutions, including schools and charitable organizations, linking the name to modern community and social engagement. As such, it maintains relevance in both personal and professional contexts today.

      Based on our records...

      Sutcliffe

      Sutcliffe

      This is the most common surname associated with Crossley.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name of those married to a Crossley.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Crossley.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1856 is when there were the most people born with the first name Crossley.

      Explore the origins of another name.