Highland History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

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  Ireland 


There are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Highland originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó hUallachain, which is derived from the word "uallach," which means "proud." 1

Early Origins of the Highland family

The surname Highland was first found in Thomond (Irish: Tuadh Mumhan), literally North Thomond, the pre-Norman Kingdom of Thomond, since divided between counties Limerick, Tipperary and Clare, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Highland family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Highland research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Highland History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Highland Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Highland 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 Holohan, O'Holohan, Mulholland, Highland, Hoolohan, Houlihan, Hooligan, Whelton, Oulihan, Oulahen, Whoolahan and many more.

Early Notables of the Highland family

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

Highland Ranking

In the United States, the name Highland is the 11,059th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2


Highland migration to the United States +

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 Highland name:

Highland Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Highland Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Highland migration to Australia +

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

Highland Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Highland migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Highland Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Highland (post 1700) +
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