A Norman family, first appearing in Scotland in the 12th century as owners of the lands of Crawford near the head waters of the River Clyde. Families of the name subsequently spread throughout Scotland, but are particularly associated with Fife and Angus.

Sir David Lindsay of Crawford, who witnessed Scotland's Declaration of Independence, was the ancestor of the Earls of Crawford (the premier Earls of Scotland), Earls of Lindsay and Earls of Balcarres.