The CRUMPLER name

It is important to realise that the name has had various spelling since the early 16th century which represents the current, earliest, known link. These variants have included:

Derivations of CRUMP

The several Anglo Saxon versions are 'crumb, crump,crymbig'. (Ref: 1)

In Middle English it is found as 'cromb, cromp' meaning a hook or crook. Examples would be Robert le Crumbe (1199) as listed in the Assize Rolls for the county of Staffordshire or Simon de Crombe (1275) as listed in the Subsidy Rolls of the county of Worcester. The surname may either be a nickname for 'bent' or 'crooked' in the physical sense or occupational as a 'maker of hooks or crooks'. (Ref: 2)

The derivation of the word, CRUMP, may come from the Belgium word 'crom' meaning crooked in relation to a personal defect. English variations are referred to as 'crumpt' or 'crookt'. (Ref: 3)

......and the second syllable

One possibility is a reference to 'hair' but two others for consideration are:

Le HER - an old Breton word from the Brittany region of France meaning 'haggard' (Ref: 4)

HEARN - a dweller in a nook or corner of land. (Ref: 5)

An idea by Richard Floyd Pickett (USA)

"Crumpler" is an occupational name for the Old English 'cromphet' - a flat, thin cake which was often fried on a griddle. In Medieval England, the Cromplers or Crumplers made and sold these "crompied cakes." They were favourite items at county fairs, market days and festivals, similar to our doughnuts today. Tea and crumpets are the favourite afternoon snack in England and Scotland even today.

Another possibility

(These are now known as crumpets and are served hot. I absolutely love these with butter and blackcurrant jam!)

A version by one of the well respected authorities in the UK on surnames - P.H. REANY

His theory is based on the start position of a man from 'Cromwell' in the county of Nottinghamshire. Two alternatives are given based on surnames found to be in use.

Alternative 1 - Cromwell - to - Crumwell - to - Crumbwell - to - Crumbweller - to - Crumbler - to - CRUMPLER

Alternative 2 - Cromweller pronounced Crumler - to - CRUMPLER

(Ref: 6)

Can you provide alternatives or extend this research?

References

1. Ludus Patronymicus by Charnock. Published by Gale Research Co. Detroit

2. A Dictionary of English Surnames by P.H.Reany & R.M.Wilson. Published by Oxford University Press in 1995.

3. Patronymica Britannica by Lower. Heraldic Publishing Co. Inc. New York

4. Dictionnaire des noms de familie & prenoms d France by Dauzat. Published by Librarie Larrouse 1951

5. Surnames of the UK by Harrison. Genealogical Publising Co, Baltimore

6. The origins of the English Surnames by P.H.Reaney. page 202. Published by Routledge & Kegen Paul 1967