This project is being started by Peter W. McCrodan of Victoria, B.C. Canada.

The McCrodan Surname

MacLysaght gives the origin of the name as O Rodain which was anglicized into MacRudden and from Donegal.

Woulfe, Irish Names and Surnames, page 633 O Rodain gives it as meaning descendants of Rodan and it is an old surname that predates Cromwell. Also, mac Rodain – M’Rudane, M’Roddane, McCrodane, McCroddan, MacCrudden, Crudden, Rodden, Redden, Rudden, Ruddon and c. Son of Rodan an Ulster surname.

MacLysaght, Surnames of Ireland, page 259 under Rodden gives the form Roden and Rodain from Gaelic rod meaning strong. Page 269 under Shea dates the name to the 13th century.

College of Arms
Tel: 020 72482762
130 Queen Victoria St, London, EC4V 4BT

Sent an enquiry to the above.
Results in part….

I have made a brief examination of the indices to our photographic copies of the records of the office of Ulster King of Arms, and have found no references to the surnames Mac Rodain, Mac Rudden or variants. I do not therefore suggest that further research into those surnames in these records would be worthwhile.

If you are a Canadian citizen, the proper heraldic authority to which you should apply for a new grant of Arms would be the Canadian Heraldic Authority at Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Canada, K1A OA1. The Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland has no jurisdiction over Canadian citizens or other citizens of countries where The Queen is Head of State.

If you would like any further advice please let me know.

Yours sincerely,

Peter O'Donoghue
Bluemantle Pursuivant

College of Arms
Queen Victoria Street
London EC4V 4BT
0207 248 2762