Surname Creed - Meaning and Origin
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Deciphering the Creed Lineage: Delving Deep into My iGENEA DNA Results
My iGENEA DNA test results offer astonishing insights into the origin and evolution of the Creed surname. Compiling the findings, it appears that my forebears' geographical roots are in Ireland and England. The results highlight the seminal historical migration pattern entwined with key periods, adding layers to the shared heritage while shedding light on the unique indicators that signify the Creed lineage.
Q. Creed
read moreCreed: What does the surname Creed mean?
The last name Creed has two main origins. In English, it is derived from the Old English word "crēda" which means "belief" or "faith". This last name was often given to someone who was a strong believer in Christianity. This meaning reflects the famous line from the Apostle's Creed, "I believe", This is similar to its second origin, in Irish, where it was translated from the surname Ó Cróinín, which means "descendant of the believer". Thus, in both cases, it reflects a strong faith or a devout religious individual. It must be noted that surnames often moved across borders and their meanings and origins may have been modified over time. Sometimes, it might also have been given to someone who regularly recited the Creed, which is a statement of Christian belief. Therefore, someone with the last name Creed may have ancestors who were known for their strong faith or religious commitment.
Order DNA origin analysisCreed: Where does the name Creed come from?
The surname Creed is believed to have originated from Ireland. It is derived from the Irish surname Mac Craith which was Anglicized to McCree and later evolved to Creed. The name McCraith or Mac Craith is a compound of two Gaelic words, namely 'Mac' meaning 'son of' and 'Craith' which roughly translates to 'grace' or 'prosperity'.
The surname Creed is not very common today but can be predominantly found in English-speaking countries due to the legacy of British colonial expansion, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The spread was facilitated in part by Irish immigration to these nations, particularly during the 19th century due to the Great Famine.
In England, the surname seems to be particularly prevalent in Cornwall. Nonetheless, due to the English tradition of surname adoption and use, variations of the surname could be found throughout the world. Despite its foreign origin, Creed is a surname that embodies certain universality thanks to its simplicity and pronunciation, which means it can be found among diverse racial and ethnic communities.
Variations of the surname Creed
The surname Creed has multiple spellings, variations and surnames of similar origin. These include Creedy, Creedon, Greed, Creede, Cread, MacCreed, MacCreedy, and MacCreedon. The names are of Celtic origin and were recorded in many different forms throughout countries like Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Creed is a metronymic or patronymic surname that suggests the person is a son or descendant of a person named 'Creed.' This name has likely derived from the Irish surname Mac Craith, which has been anglicized to McCree and then possibly shortened to Creed.
Creedon, on the other hand, is an anglicized form of the Gaelic "O'Críodáin," meaning descendant of Críodán. Críodán is a diminutive form of the personal name Críod, a variant of Criomhthann, from "criomh," meaning 'prime' or 'early.'
In the Middle Ages, spelling and translation were not nearly as standardized as today, leading to many variations of the surname Creed. The name originated from a variety of sources, often different between countries and regions which would lead to further variations.
Please note, while these listed are potential variants, each surname has its own unique history and may not be directly related even if they appear to be.
Famous people with the name Creed
- Ryan Creed: A renowned cricket player from Australia.
- William S. Creed: An American civil engineer known for his work on the Manhattan Project.
- Anthony Creed: A world-reknowned perfumer.
- Fredd Wayne (born as Fred Wiener): An accomplished actor who assumed the last name Creed as a tribute to his mother's last name.
- Linda Creed: An American songwriter who became popular during the 1970s.
- Nick Creed: A British journalist and editor working with The Economist.
- Rosella Hightower (born Hightower but used her husband's surname, Creed): An accomplished American ballerina.
- Steve Creed: A professional race car driver in the UK.
- Sylvia Creed-Castle: An English-born artist best known for her landscape paintings.
- Helen Creed: An Australian labor activist and feminist. Note: While they are not real, some fictional characters famous for the name Creed include Apollo Creed and Adonis Creed from the "Rocky" films, and Victor Creed (Sabertooth) from X-Men.