Cranworth's name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English for an enclosed part of land with cranes and herons.

[4] St. Mary's churchtower is topped with a medieval spire whilst the interior was heavily restored in the Victorian era.

The church holds various memorials to members of the Gurdon family who lived at nearby Letton Hall.

[5] St. Mary's Churchyard holds the grave of Pilot Officer Noel G. Cromie who was killed in a flying accident when his Miles Martinet lost power over The Wash.[6] Cranworth is part of the electoral ward of Shipdham & Scarning for local elections and is part of the district of Breckland.

The village's national constituency is South West Norfolk which has been represented by Labour's Terry Jermy MP since 2024.