Cranford, residential township, Union County, northeastern New Jersey, on the Rahway River, near the Watchung Mountains; settled early 18th century, incorporated 1871. Manufactures include pharmaceuticals and legal stationery. A junior college is here. The name of the township is derived from that of the Crane family, who were early settlers, and its location at a river ford. Population 24,573 (1980); 22,633 (1990); 22,624 (1996 estimate).
