Show ContentsFilan Surname History

Early Origins of the Filan family

The surname Filan was first found in Dorset shire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Norman influence of English history prevailed after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience dominated. The family name was first referenced in the 12th century when they held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Filan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Filan research. Another 205 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1046, 1083, 1092, 1130, 1137, 1153, 1166, 1432, 1451, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1541, 1542 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Filan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Filan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Filiol, Filliol, Fillon, Filon, Filone, Fillioll, Filleul, Filliel, Fileul and many more.

Early Notables of the Filan family

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


Australia Filan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Filan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • William Filan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Trafalgar" in 1847 1

SS Atlantic
  • Mr. John Filan, (Falin), who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) TRAFALGAR 1847. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1847Trafalgar.htm


Houseofnames.com on Facebook