Show ContentsDoolent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Doolent

What does the name Doolent mean?

Throughout history, very few Irish surnames have exclusively maintained their original forms. Before being translated into English from Irish Gaelic, Doolent appeared as Ó Dobhailen or "Dubhshláin," which combines the Gaelic elements "Dubh," meaning dark, with "shláin," meaning challenge or defiance. 1

Early Origins of the Doolent family

The surname Doolent was first found in Leinster, where they are believed to be descended from Eochaidh, King of Leinster, and became one of the "Seven septs of Leix."

However, the name is "fairly common to-day in Ulster - in the Catholic areas of Counties Cavan and Fermanagh - and in the Counties of Roscommon and Galway in Connacht. In the census of 1659 the name appears principally in Counties Roscommon and Fermanagh." 2

Early History of the Doolent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Doolent research. Another 39 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1834 and 1914 are included under the topic Early Doolent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Doolent Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Doolent revealed spelling variations, including Dolan, Doland, Dooley, Dowling, Doolin, Doolan, O'Dooley, O'Dolan, O'Doolin, Dollan, Dolland, Dooland, Dowlling, Doolley and many more.

Early Notables of the Doolent family

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

Migration of the Doolent family

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 Doolent: Jimmy, Michael, John, Patrick, and Thomas Dolans, Doolins, Dowlings, landed at Philadelphia in the 1800's and made their way to different railroad sites to make their fortune.



  1. MacLysaght, Edward, More Irish Families. Dublin: Irish Academic Press, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-0126-0)
  2. MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook