Crighton

Crighton is a surname of Scottish origin. It is believed to derive from a place name, likely related to Old English words for "crighton" or "croft town," referring to a small farm or settlement. The name is most prevalent in Scotland and has spread to other English-speaking countries through emigration.

Notable individuals with the surname Crighton include Sir Charles Crighton, a 19th-century Scottish geologist and naturalist. Another prominent figure is Michael Crichton, an American author, screenwriter, and producer known for his works in the science fiction and thriller genres, such as Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain. While the spelling differs, Michael Crichton's family name is a variation of the original Crighton.

The Crighton surname does not have any widely recognized heraldic symbols or specific family mottos associated with it as a whole, though individual families may have their own distinct traditions. The distribution of the name reflects historical migration patterns from Scotland, particularly to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Genealogists and historians continue to trace the lineage of Crighton families through various records.