Find out how popular the first name Croy has been for the last 44 years (from 1980 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Croy by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Croy is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Croy.

The history of the first name Croy

The name Croy originates from the Old French language and has its roots in the medieval period, approximately between the 9th and 15th centuries. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "crois," which means "cross" or "crucifix." This suggests that the name may have had religious connotations in its early history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Croy can be found in the Chronicles of Froissart, a 14th-century historical work by the French chronicler Jean Froissart. In this work, Froissart mentions a knight named Croy who participated in the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

During the 15th century, the name Croy gained prominence in the Low Countries (modern-day Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg). The House of Croy was a noble family that held significant power and influence in the region. Notable members of this family include Philippe de Croy (1434-1511), who served as the Grand Master of the Order of the Golden Fleece, and Charles de Croy (1506-1551), a military commander and statesman.

In the 16th century, the name Croy appears in the writings of the French Renaissance poet Pierre de Ronsard. In his poem "Les Amours," Ronsard mentions a character named Croy, though it is unclear whether this was a real person or a fictional creation.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and we find a notable figure named Croy in the form of William Croy (1836-1918), an American businessman and politician who served as the Governor of New Mexico Territory from 1869 to 1871.

Another prominent individual with the name Croy was Robert Croy (1878-1942), a French painter and engraver known for his landscapes and portraits. Croy's works were exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français and other prestigious exhibitions during his lifetime.

In the 20th century, Croy was the first name of Croy McDonald (1920-1998), an American actor best known for his roles in westerns and television shows like "Gunsmoke" and "The Rifleman."

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Croy, showcasing its enduring presence and diverse cultural and historical contexts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Croy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Croy, please contact us.

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