The name Creed has its origins in the Latin word "credo," meaning "I believe." It is derived from the first word of the Christian creeds, such as the Nicene Creed and the Apostles' Creed, which are statements of faith. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly among Christian families who wanted to express their religious devotion.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Creed can be found in the works of the renowned English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. In his play "Hamlet," written around 1601, the character Polonius refers to a character named Creed. This suggests that the name was already in use during the Elizabethan era.

In the 17th century, a notable figure with the name Creed was Creed Blackmore, an English Puritan minister and author born in 1622. He wrote several religious works, including "A Treatise on the Covenant of Grace" and "A Soul Conflicting with Itself." Blackmore's use of the name reflects the religious significance it held during that time.

During the 18th century, the name Creed gained popularity among African Americans in the United States. One of the earliest recorded instances was Creed Taylor, a free African American man born in Virginia in 1760. Taylor fought in the American Revolutionary War and later became a prominent landowner and community leader.

In the 19th century, Creed Haymond, born in 1837, was a Union soldier during the American Civil War. He served in the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and heroic actions during the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain in 1864.

Another notable figure with the name Creed was Creed Fulton, an American politician born in 1882. He served as a U.S. Senator from Oregon from 1944 to 1959 and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Bonneville Power Administration, which provided affordable electricity to the Pacific Northwest.

While the name Creed has its roots in Christian tradition, it has been embraced by people of various backgrounds and cultures throughout history, reflecting the diverse and rich tapestry of human experience.