Connelan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Connelan

What does the name Connelan mean?

Before Irish names were translated into English, Connelan had a Gaelic form of Ó Conallain or Ó Coinghiollan in Connacht; the name is Ó Caoindealbhain in Munster and Leinster. Connal or Connall is claimed to be a pet name for a sprout or little sprout; a term of affection or endearment. 1

Early Origins of the Connelan family

The surname Connelan was first found in Munster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the Connelan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Connelan research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1247, 1260, 1492, 1508, 1620 and 1695 are included under the topic Early Connelan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Connelan Spelling Variations

One name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer because one must realize that attempting to record a Gaelic name in English is a daunting task at the best of times. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origin of the Connelan family name include Conlan, Conlin, Conlon, Connelen, Connelon, Connelan, O'Connelen, O'Conlan, O'Conlin, Connellon, Connellan and many more.

Early Notables of the Connelan family

More information is included under the topic Early Connelan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Connelan family

The 18th and 19th centuries saw many Irish families immigrate to North America in search of land and opportunities. The largest influx of Irish immigrants to the United States and British North America came during the 1840s when the Great Potato Famine laid waste to their homeland. Hundreds of thousands left the island in an attempt to escape the starvation and disease it brought. Although the arrival of such a large number of destitute Irish was not welcomed by the established population in the United States and what would become known as Canada at the time, these Irish were an essential element to the rapid development of these growing industrial nations. They filled the demand for the cheap labor needed for the work in factories and in the construction of bridges, roads, canals, and railways. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has revealed many immigrants bearing the name of Connelan or one of its variants: Michael Conlon settled in Maryland in 1774; Pat Conlan settled in Canada in 1839; James Conlin settled in Philadelphia in 1846; the family also settled in Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland in the 19th century..

The Connelan Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Inter Utrumque
Motto Translation: Between the two.

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)