Filan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Filan family

The surname Filan was first found in Dorset shire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Norman influence of English history prevailed after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience dominated. The family name was first referenced in the 12th century when they held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Filan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Filan research. Another 205 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1046, 1083, 1092, 1130, 1137, 1153, 1166, 1432, 1451, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1541, 1542 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Filan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Filan Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Filiol, Filliol, Fillon, Filon, Filone, Fillioll, Filleul, Filliel, Fileul and many more.

Early Notables of the Filan family

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

Filan migration to Australia +

Filan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

William Filan, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Trafalgar" in 1847 1

Historic Events for the Filan family +

SS Atlantic

Mr. John Filan, (Falin), who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking

Sources +

State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) TRAFALGAR 1847. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1847Trafalgar.htm