Last Name Creary

Learn more about the origin of the last name Creary

The meaning and origin of the last name Creary

The surname Creary is an anglicized form of various Gaelic Irish names, primarily Mac Riaghdha (son of the king) or Mac Raithri (son of the chieftain). It's also linked to the Old Norse name Kjærry, meaning "farm by the wood." The name is predominantly found in Ireland, where it originated, but has since been distributed globally due to Irish immigration, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In modern times, the surname Creary can be found across many English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Creary

The last name Creary is primarily distributed across several English-speaking regions, with significant concentrations in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands due to historical links to the British Empire. In Jamaica, it is most prevalent in the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Kingston, and St. Ann. Within North America, Creary can be found predominantly in countries like Canada, particularly Ontario and Nova Scotia, and the United States, with notable populations in states such as New York, Florida, and Texas. Smaller groups carrying the surname Creary can also be found in other English-speaking nations such as Australia, England, and Ireland. The name's distribution reflects historical migration patterns from the Caribbean to these regions over the past few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Creary

The surname Creary has several variations and spellings due to phonetic changes and regional differences over time. These include:

1. Creary: This is the most common spelling, originating from an Old French occupational name for a gardener or a servant who tended gardens, derived from the Middle English word "creie," meaning "cress."
2. Creevery: A less common variant of Creary, which may have arisen due to regional pronunciation differences.
3. Criary: Another variation that could potentially be a typographical error or a phonetic alteration of the original name.
4. Cryery: While uncommon, this spelling is a potential misspelling or misinterpretation of Creary.
5. Crehry: A less frequent variation, which may have occurred due to minor transcription errors or regional dialects.
6. Creyrie: A rare variant that might be a creative rearrangement or typographical error of the original name.
7. Kreeary: An alternative spelling with slight modification in the initial letter, possibly reflecting personal preference or a different origin theory.

Famous people with the last name Creary

The Creary family has produced notable figures in various fields, making them well-known bearers of this surname. One of the most prominent is Jamaican poet and journalist Mervyn Morris Creary, who won numerous awards for his work, including the Musgrave Medal for Literature, Science, and the Arts. Another significant figure is American singer, songwriter, and actress Jada Pinkett Smith, born Adrienne Jada Creary, who gained fame as an actress in TV shows like 'A Different World' and 'The Matrix' films, and later became a successful entrepreneur and talk show host. Additionally, Canadian actor Donavan Creary, known for his roles on 'Stargate SG-1' and 'Once Upon a Time', is also notable with this surname. Lastly, British-Jamaican sprinter Omar Creary, who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics, further expands the family's diverse accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Creary

The surname Creary is predominantly of Irish origin, derived from various locales named Cree or Creagh, which are primarily found in County Mayo and County Galway. These places were named after the Old Norse word "Krækastrand," meaning "crow's creek," due to the large number of crows residing in these areas. The family name also has connections to England, where it is believed to have been brought by Norman invaders in the Middle Ages. Notable figures bearing the Creary surname include John Creasy (1724-1808), an English barrister and author of "A Practical Treatise on the Law of Crimes"; and Michael Creary (born 1936), a Jamaican reggae singer known for his work with The Skatalites. The Creary family has also been prominent in the history of Nova Scotia, Canada, where they settled in the late 18th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Creary"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025