Cru

♂ Boy

Pronounced KROO /kruː/Low

Meaning: Crew, close group; crossLow

In 30 seconds: Cru is a modern American name, possibly from the word crew (a close-knit group) or related to the Latin crux (cross). As a one-syllable name it has a bold, fresh quality.

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Origin LowEnglish, Latin

MeaningCrew, close group; cross

U.S. rank (2025)#1611 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births105 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,553

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cru is a modern American name, possibly from crew (a group or team) or from the Latin crux (cross). Used as a given name, it is distinctive and modern.

Cru is a rare name in the United States used by parents seeking a bold one-syllable name.

Did you know? Cru may derive from the concept of a crew — a close-knit team united by purpose — or from the Latin crux meaning cross. Cru is also the name of a major Christian campus ministry (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), giving it spiritual associations.

Overall data confidence 60%

Behind the Name: cru

Variations

CruzCrew

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

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If you like Cru…

Cruz— Related Spanish cross name

Crew— Standard spelling of the crew concept

Rex— One-syllable bold name

Beau— One-syllable French name of same minimalist quality

Explore names like Cru

By thememodern american one-syllable bold

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Frequently Asked

What does Cru mean?

Crew, close group; cross

How do you pronounce Cru?

Cru is pronounced KROO.

What is the origin of Cru?

Cru comes from English, Latin.

What names are similar to Cru?

Similar names include cruz, crew, rex.