Show ContentsCreagan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Irish name Creagan has a long Gaelic heritage to its credit. The original Gaelic form of the name Creagan is Ó Croidheagain, from the word "croidhe," which means "heart." 1

Early Origins of the Creagan family

The surname Creagan was first found in Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest Ireland in the province of Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Creagan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Creagan research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1616 is included under the topic Early Creagan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Creagan Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Creagan family name include Cregan, Crean, O'Crean, O'Cryan, Creaghan, Creegan, Creahan, Crehan, Creane and many more.

Early Notables of the Creagan family

More information is included under the topic Early Creagan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Creagan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Creagan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • John Creagan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince George" in 1838 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Creagan (post 1700) +

  • Richard Creagan, American politician, Member of the Hawaii House of Representatives (2015-2016)
  • James Francis Creagan (b. 1940), American diplomat, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras (1996-1999)


The Creagan 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: Cor mundum crea in me, Deus
Motto Translation: Create in me a clean heart, O God.


  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
  2. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PRINCE GEORGE 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838PrinceGeorge-London.htm


Houseofnames.com on Facebook