A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Crean family of Ireland.
Reg. 4296 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a chev. gu. on a chief az. three crescents of the field”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Crean Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Crean arms are recorded
The Crean arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Crean arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Crean Family in Ireland
The surname Crean originates from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Croidheáin, which translates to descendant of the little heart or the beloved one. While the family has deep roots in the province of Connacht, particularly in County Sligo, they established a significant presence in Dublin by the mid-seventeenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the Crean family were active residents of the city by 1645, a time defined by the political turmoil of the Irish Confederate Wars. As the family integrated into the urban life of Dublin, they often worked as merchants or professionals, navigating the complex social changes of the era. Their transition from a traditional Gaelic background to the bustling environment of the capital city reflects the broader movement of Irish families seeking new opportunities during a period of great national transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ó Croidheáin
Derived from the Gaelic word for heart or little heart.
This name
CreanRefers to a descendant of the person with a kind or courageous heart.
also spelled
Creen
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall. 1923
National Archives of Ireland. Civil Survey, A.D. 1654-1656
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
