Show ContentsHiling History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Hiling

What does the name Hiling mean?

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

Early Origins of the Hiling family

The surname Hiling 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 Hiling family

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

Hiling Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Hiling 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 Hiling family

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

Migration of the Hiling family

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 Hiling name: Daniel, David, John, Michael, Patrick and Owen Hollahan and David and Michael Mulholand, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)


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