The Irish surname Crowley is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name  Ó Cruadhlaoich meaning “descendant of Cruadhlaoch,” a personal name composed of the elements cruadh meaning “hardy” and laoch meaning “hero.” The Crowley’s originated in Moylurg, County Roscommon, but migrated to Dunmanway, County Cork, and in due course became a leading West Cork sept with a recognized chief residing at Kilshallow. Several of the clan were employed as professional soldiers and the (O) Crowleys usually fought on behalf of the McCarthy’s. The Crowley Coat of Arms is silver with a blue boar between three red crosses. The boar is renowned for its perseverance and ferocity in fighting and the cross is indicative of suffering for a faith. Today there are over 30,000 people with the last name Crowley living in The United States. Notable bearers of the surname Crowley include Richard Crowley the nineteenth century US politician. Richard was born on December 14th 1836 in Pendleton, New York and died on July 22nd 1908 in Olcott, New York. Crowley was a United States representative from New York. He was City Attorney of Lockport from 1865 to 1866. He was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1865, and was a member of the New York State Senate (29th D.) in 1866, 1867, 1868 and 1869. He was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York on March 23, 1871. Crowley was elected as a Republican to the 46th and 47th United States Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1883.