Meaning of the Crean family crest symbols
Helmet
The helmet placed on the shield symbolizes the strength of the family unit and the protection it provides. It is a symbol of the importance of standing together and having strong defenses against any external threats.
Shield - Fess
The fess is an ancient symbol within heraldry and represents one who upholds good conscience, honour and religion against evil forces. It is also a message for future generations to pursue the same.
Meaning of the Crean coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Crean name meaning and origin
Crean is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Ó Croidheáin," which means "descendant of Croidheán." The name Croidheán itself is a diminutive of the word "croidhe," meaning "heart." Therefore, the surname Crean can be interpreted as "little heart" or "descendant of the little heart." This could possibly signify a person of kind and compassionate nature. It's important to note that while this interpretation is widely accepted, the exact meanings of ancient names can sometimes be speculative due to changes in language over centuries.
History of family crests like the Crean coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Crean name variations and their meaning
The family name Crean has various variations across different regions and cultures. In Ireland, it is commonly spelled as Creen or Crian. In Scotland, the name is often seen as MacCrean or MacCrian, indicating a Scottish Gaelic influence. In England, the name may be spelled as Crain or Crane. In some cases, the name may have undergone further changes over time, resulting in variations like Crone or Crainey. These variations highlight the diverse ways in which the name has evolved and adapted to different linguistic and cultural contexts. It is fascinating to observe how a single family name can have multiple forms, each representing a unique branch or lineage within the larger Crean family. These variations not only reflect the rich history and migration patterns of the family but also add to the complexity and diversity of the Crean surname.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
