Creyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Creyn

What does the name Creyn mean?

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

Early Origins of the Creyn family

The surname Creyn 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 Creyn family

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

Creyn Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Creyn were encountered in the archives: Cregan, Crean, O'Crean, O'Cryan, Creaghan, Creegan, Creahan, Crehan, Creane and many more.

Early Notables of the Creyn family

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

Migration of the Creyn family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Creyn name: Phillip Crean who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1860; John Creahan settled in Philadelphia in 1868; Thomas Creane settled in Philadelphia in 1868.

The Creyn 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.

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)