Crehan Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Crehan is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Croidheagáin, meaning "descendant of Croidheagán." The Gaelic word "croidhe" means "heart," and the suffix "-agán" is a diminutive, suggesting that the original bearer of this name may have been a "little heart" or had a warm and kind-hearted personality.
The family history of the Crehan surname can be traced back to County Clare in Ireland. During the medieval times, the Crehans were known as a notable sept (branch) of the larger O'Brien clan, which held prominence in County Clare. They were landholders in the area, and their history is intertwined with the political and social development of the region.
Over time, many individuals with the surname Crehan emigrated from Ireland, particularly during the 19th century. They settled in various countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, spreading their lineage and establishing new branches of the family. Today, Crehan is a relatively uncommon surname, but there are still families bearing this name in both Ireland and around the world.