Brollachan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The name Brollachan was first used in the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. It indicates that the first bearer lived on the island of Iona, in the south Hebrides, but their ancient roots are in Ireland.

Early Origins of the Brollachan family

The surname Brollachan was first found in Iona, an island in the south Hebrides where the family name has been settled since about the year 1000. The family were originally from Derry in Northern Ireland. The first on record was Flaithbheartach O'Brallochain who was offered the Abbacy of Columcille in Iona in 1164, but refused.

Early History of the Brollachan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brollachan research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1029, 1160, 1549, 1677 and 1778 are included under the topic Early Brollachan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brollachan Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Brollachan has been spelled Brallahan, Brallaghan, Bralahan, Brallachain, Bralachain, McBrolohan, McBrolachan, McBrollahan, Brollahan, Brollachan, Brollaghan, Brollohan, Brolohan, McBrollohan, McBrolachin, McBrollaghan, McBrologhan, McBrolahan, O'Brolchen, O'Brollahchain, O'Brollohan, O'Brollahan, O'Brologhan, O'Brolloghan and many more.

Early Notables of the Brollachan family

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

Migration of the Brollachan family to Ireland

Some of the Brollachan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Brollachan family

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Brollachan or a variant listed above: Patrick O'Brallaghan who settled in New York State in 1785.

The Brollachan 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: Vigilance et audax
Motto Translation: Vigilant and bold.