Holiham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Holiham

What does the name Holiham mean?

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

Early Origins of the Holiham family

The surname Holiham 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 Holiham family

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

Holiham Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Holiham were encountered in the archives: Holohan, O'Holohan, Mulholland, Highland, Hoolohan, Houlihan, Hooligan, Whelton, Oulihan, Oulahen, Whoolahan and many more.

Early Notables of the Holiham family

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

Holiham migration to Australia +

Holiham Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr.John Holiham, British settler who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Fortune" on 31st October 1812, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 2
James Holiham, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Constant" in 1849 3

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The CONSTANT 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Constant.htm