Crux first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Crux has been for the last 1 years (from 2022 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Crux

A Latin word meaning "cross" or "difficultly," often used symbolically.

Popularity of Crux by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Crux is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Crux.

Year Male Count Female Count
2022 5 0

The history of the first name Crux

The name Crux is derived from the Latin word "crux," meaning "cross." Its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the cross was a prominent symbol used in various contexts, including religion, punishment, and astronomy.

In the Christian tradition, the cross holds significant religious significance, symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The name Crux may have been used as a symbolic reference to the cross, particularly among early Christians.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Crux can be found in ancient astronomical texts. The constellation known as the Southern Cross, or Crux, was recognized and named by ancient Greek and Roman astronomers. This celestial formation was an important navigational aid for sailors and explorers in the southern hemisphere.

During the Middle Ages, the name Crux appeared in various religious texts and manuscripts, reflecting its association with Christianity. Some notable individuals bearing the name Crux during this period include:

  1. Crux of Metz (c. 620 - c. 688), a Frankish bishop and saint known for his missionary work in present-day Germany.
  2. Crux de Vaux (c. 1160 - c. 1225), a French monk and theologian who wrote extensively on the symbolism of the cross.

In the Renaissance era, the name Crux gained popularity among scholars and intellectuals who were fascinated by classical literature and the study of ancient languages and symbolism. One notable figure from this period was:

  1. Crux Nebrissensis (1444 - 1522), a Spanish humanist and grammarian known for his work on Latin grammar and etymology.

During the Age of Exploration, the name Crux was associated with navigators and explorers who relied on the Southern Cross constellation for guidance. One such explorer was:

  1. Crux Fernandes (c. 1480 - c. 1540), a Portuguese navigator and explorer who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan on his voyage around the world.

In more recent times, the name Crux has been used by various individuals across different fields, including:

  1. Crux Ansata (1912 - 1995), an American artist and sculptor known for his abstract works featuring the ancient Egyptian symbol of the Ankh, which resembles a cross.

While the name Crux may not be as common today as it once was, its historical significance and connections to ancient cultures, astronomy, and religious symbolism have contributed to its enduring legacy.

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 Crux was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Crux first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 18, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/crux-meaning-and-history/.

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Crux first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/crux-meaning-and-history/.

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