Cribbs
An English surname likely from a place-name or word for a crib, pen, or manger, later common in the United States.
The #7,195 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 66,483 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Cribbs is usually treated as an English surname related to the word crib, meaning a manger, stall, pen, or enclosed frame. In surname formation, it may have begun as a nickname or as a locational name for someone living near a crib or similar enclosure, though the exact pathway is not certain. The final -s is a common English surname ending that can mark descent, association, or a later spelling variant.
History
The form Cribb is the older main spelling, with Cribbs appearing as a later variant. The surname is found in Britain and then in English-speaking countries, especially the United States, where it is relatively uncommon but established. Nineteenth-century surname writers list Cribbs alongside Cribb and related forms, treating it as part of the same name family.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Old surname lists often group Cribb, Cribbs, Cribbin, and Cribby together, showing how fluid spelling could be before modern standardization.
From the historical record
“Inside of our houses may be found many a living Ha mock. Couch, Cushiisg, Mattrass, Cribbs, Kugg, Divan (1656), Curtain, Curtin, Bolster, one Pil- low, Bureau, Stove, Spitz, Holder, Lamp, Lampe, Lampee, Brush, Broome, Matt, Tray, &c. We have also Hammatt (i.e., " home-mat," or " hearth- rug "). One Dr. Strawmat, of…”
— Suffolk Surnames (3rd ed.)