| {{ad}} |
|
|
|
There are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Hillen originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó hUallachain, which is derived from the word "uallach," which means "proud." 1
The surname Hillen 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.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hillen research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hillen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Many spelling variations of the surname Hillen 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.
More information is included under the topic Early Hillen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In the United States, the name Hillen is the 18,180th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 2
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 Hillen name: