Show ContentsLochlain History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

There are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Lochlain originally appeared in Gaelic as Mac Lochlainn or Ó Maoilsheachlainn. The first name is derived from a Norse personal name, while the second name originally designated a follower of St. Secundinus.

Early Origins of the Lochlain family

The surname Lochlain was first found in County Meath (Irish: An Mhí) anciently part of the kingdom of Brega, located in Eastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, long before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 A.D.

Muircheartach Mac Lochlainn (died 1166), was king of Tír Eoghain, and High King of Ireland (c.1156-1166.) Together with sixteen of his closest allies, he was killed and was succeeded by Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair.

Niall Mac Lochlainn (died 1176) was a king of Cenél nEógain and Cenél Conaill, son of Muirchertach Mac Lochlainn.

Early History of the Lochlain family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lochlain research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1002, 1172, 1387, 1404, 1405, 1506, 1699, 1784, 1797 and 1857 are included under the topic Early Lochlain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lochlain Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Lochlain can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include MacLoughlin, McLoughlin, MacGloughlin, Lochlain, Claughan and many more.

Early Notables of the Lochlain family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was

  • Cearbhall mac Lochlainn Ó Dálaigh (died 1404), an Irish poet, Chief Ollam of Ireland (1387-1405)
  • Paidin mac Lochlainn Ó Mailchonaire (died 1506), an Irish poet
  • Charles Macklin (1699-1797), originally Cathal MacLochlainn in Irish, or Charles McLaughlin in English, an Irish actor and dramatist born in County Donegal, who performed extensively at the Theatre Ro...

Migration of the Lochlain family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Lochlain name: Thomas, Bridget, Catherine and Helen MacLoughlin who settled in Quebec in 1849; Bernard, Charles, Denis, Hugh, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Thomas and William MacLoughlin all arrived in Philadelphia between 1823 and 1860. The family also settled in Newfoundland between 1792 and 1872..



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