Mellan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France
Ireland

Irish surnames are all based on the Gaelic language native to Ireland. The original Gaelic form of the name Mellan is Ó Meallain, which is derived from the word meall, which means pleasant.

Early Origins of the Mellan family

The surname Mellan was first found in County Tyrone (Irish:Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Mellan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mellan research. Another 80 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mellan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mellan Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Mellan family name include Mallon, O'Mallon, O'Malin, O'Mellan, Malin, Mellan and many more.

Early Notables of the Mellan family

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

Mellan migration to the United States +

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Mellan:

Mellan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

John Mellan, aged 16, who settled in Maryland in 1776

Contemporary Notables of the name Mellan (post 1700) +

André Mellan, Lawyer