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Irish Surname - Cregan

Origin of the Irish surname Cregan

The Irish surname Cregan, also spelled Creagan and Creggan, has its origins in County Clare in the west of Ireland. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "craobh" meaning "branch" or "tree," and it is believed to have originally been a nickname for someone who lived near a prominent tree or grove.

The Cregan family was prominent in County Clare and other parts of Ireland, and they were involved in various trades, including farming, fishing, and blacksmithing. Many members of the family were also involved in politics and held positions of power and influence.

The Cregan surname has spread throughout the world due to emigration, particularly to North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Today, the Cregan name remains relatively common in Ireland and around the world.

Names of famous people with the surname Cregan

Jim Cregan: An English musician and songwriter who has worked with numerous artists, including Rod Stewart, Steve Harley, and Katie Melua. He is also known for his work as a producer and arranger.
Denis Cregan: An Irish businessman and former politician. He was elected as a Fine Gael Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork North-West constituency in the 1981 general election. He was then re-elected in the February 1982 general election, but lost his seat in the November 1982 general election.

Variations of the surname Cregan

Overall, while the variations of the Cregan surname may differ slightly in spelling and usage, they all have their roots in the same Gaelic word, "craobh," and share a common history and heritage.

Cregan: This is the most common spelling of the surname, and it is the version that is most widely used in Ireland and around the world. The name is most commonly associated with County Clare, where it has been prominent for centuries.
Creagan: This variation of the surname is less common than Cregan, but it is still in use in some parts of Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities around the world. The spelling "Creagan" is particularly common in Scotland, where it is often used as a surname or a place name.
Creggan: This variation of the surname is most commonly associated with Northern Ireland, particularly County Tyrone, where the town of Creggan is located. The spelling "Creggan" is also used as a place name in several other parts of Ireland, including County Mayo and County Limerick.

Coat of arms and motto of the Irish surname Cregan

The coat of arms for the Cregan family features a shield with a silver background and a black diagonal stripe, with a gold lion passant on top. The crest is a gold eagle with its wings displayed, and the motto is "Deus meus adiutor" which translates to "God is my helper."

Please Note

There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.