Show ContentsCreath History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The people known in ancient Scotland as the Picts were the ancestors of the first to use Creath as a name. It was a name for a prosperous person. The Gaelic form of the surname Creath is Mac Rath, which literally means son of grace or son of prosperity.

Early Origins of the Creath family

The surname Creath was first found in Inverness-shire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Nis) divided between the present day Scottish Council Areas of Highland and Western Isles, and consisting of a large northern mainland area and various island areas off the west coast, the shire was anciently both a Pictish and Norwegian stronghold, but their ancient history is often clouded with conjecture. It appears certain that they lived before the 14th century at Clunes, to the west of Inverness in the territories of the Fraser Clan. Consequently the family has always been friendly towards that Clan. From about 1400, they moved to the location with which they are readily associated, Kintail.

Early History of the Creath family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Creath research. Another 548 words (39 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1425, 1477, 1505, 1539, 1688, 1715, 1745, 1764, 1778 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Creath History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Creath Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Creath has been spelled MacCrae, MacCraith, MacCrath, MacCraw, MacCray, MacCrea, MacCree, MacCreight, MacCrie, MacReagh, MacRae, MacRay, MacRie and many more.

Early Notables of the Creath family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Finghin MacCarthy Reagh (c.1425-1505), the 8th Prince of Carbery from 1477 to 1505, belonged to the MacCarthy Reagh dynasty; the Earl of Seaforth who forfeited his lands in 1715, but in 1764 was allowed to buy the lands back from the Government. In gratitude he offered to raise a regiment to be known as the Seaforth Highlanders (the 78th Regiment). Composed largely of MacKenzies and MacRaes (always loyal supporters of the MacKenzies whose Chief commanded the Regiment), it was embodied at Elgin in May 1778...
Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Creath Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Creath family to Ireland

Some of the Creath family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Creath family

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Creath: Hugh MacCrae settled in New York in 1774; James, Daniel, Henry, John, Patrick, Robert, William MacCrea all arrived in Philadelphia between 1800 and 1870.


Contemporary Notables of the name Creath (post 1700) +

  • Jacob Creath Jr., (1799-1886), American Baptist minister involved in the Restoration Movement
  • Richard Creath, American Philosophy Professor at Arizona State University
  • Katherine Creath, American Adjunct Professor, College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona
  • Charles Cyril "Charlie" Creath (1890-1951), American jazz trumpeter, saxophonist, accordionist, and bandleader, known for his bands that played on the Mississippi river boats


The Creath Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fortitudine
Motto Translation: With fortitude.


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