Heelan History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThere are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Heelan originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó hUallachain, which is derived from the word "uallach," which means "proud." 1 Early Origins of the Heelan familyThe surname Heelan 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 Heelan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Heelan research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Heelan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Heelan Spelling VariationsThe 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 Heelan revealed spelling variations, including Holohan, O'Holohan, Mulholland, Highland, Hoolohan, Houlihan, Hooligan, Whelton, Oulihan, Oulahen, Whoolahan and many more. Early Notables of the Heelan familyMore information is included under the topic Early Heelan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Irish families left their homeland in astonishing numbers during the 19th century in search of a better life. Although individual reasons vary, most of these Irish families suffered from extreme poverty, lack of work opportunities, and exorbitant rents in their homeland. Many decided to travel to Australia or North America in the hopes of finding greater opportunities and land. The Irish immigrants that came to North America initially settled on the East Coast, often in major centers such as Boston or New York. But like the many other cultures to settle in North America, the Irish traveled to almost any region they felt held greater promise; as a result, many Irish with gold fever moved all the way out to the Pacific coast. Others before that time left for land along the St. Lawrence River and the Niagara Peninsula, or the Maritimes as United Empire Loyalists, for many Irish did choose to side with the English during the American War of Independence. The earliest wave of Irish migration, however, occurred during the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. An examination of early immigration and passenger lists has revealed many people bearing the Heelan name: Heelan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Heelan Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
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