Crowley is primarily an Irish surname that has occasionally been used as a given name. It’s derived from the Irish Gaelic “Ó Cruadhlaoich,” meaning “descendant of the hardy warrior.” The name has also gained notoriety due to the famous occultist Aleister Crowley.

As a first name, Crowley is quite rare. It’s more commonly encountered as a surname, particularly in Ireland and among those of Irish descent. Its use as a given name has seen a slight increase in recent years, possibly due to its appearance in popular culture, such as the character Crowley in the TV series “Supernatural.”

Parents might be inspired to choose Crowley as a name to honor Irish heritage or for its association with strength and resilience. Its use might also be influenced by literary or pop culture references, or simply for its distinctive sound.