Holleran History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Holleran originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó hAllmhurain, which is derived from the word allmhurach, which means pirate. 1 The main branch of the family claim descent through the O'Connors (Kings of Connaught) and as such from the Heremon Kings of Ireland. 2 Early Origins of the Holleran familyThe surname Holleran was first found in counties of Clare and Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. The Holleran variant is typical to Counties Galway and Mayo. 3 "This family were, as the name implies, 'importers' of Wine; and were lords of Clan Fergail, a district in which Galway town is situate; and had their castle at Barns, close to the sea-side, about three miles west of Galway. The MS. Vol. H. 2.17, in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, states that 'O'Halloran is the chief of twenty-four townlands on Clan Fergail; and of theses are the O'Antuiles and O'Fergus of Roscam.' That statement refers to the twelve century. These twenty-four townlands of Clan Fergail lay east of the river Gallimh (or 'Galway.') In the 13th century the O'Hallorans were dispossessed of their ancient inheritance of Clan Fergail by the De Burgos [(Burke)] invaders. The O'Hallorans and the O'Flahertys, [moved] to Iar (or West) Connaught, where they built the castle of O'Hery in Gnomore; and according to tradition, the castle or Rinville in Northern Connenara. According to the Chronicles of the Wars of Thomond, at A.D. 1309, there was another family of the O'Hallorans in Thomond, descended from the stock of the O'Briens and other Dalcassians in Munster." 2 Early History of the Holleran familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Holleran research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Holleran History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Holleran Spelling VariationsDuring the Middle Ages, a person's name was often recorded under several spelling variations during a single lifetime because it was essentially up to the individual scribe's discretion as to how to record an individual's name. Research into the name Holleran revealed many variations, including Halloran, O'Halloran, Haloran and others. Early Notables of the Holleran familyMore information is included under the topic Early Holleran Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Holleran RankingIn the United States, the name Holleran is the 17,727th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 4
The 19th century brought a massive reduction in Ireland's population. It seemed that during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s the Irish people had two options: starve or immigrate. Those that chose the later frequently headed for the United States, hopeful for land, work, and equality. Those determined for free land joined the migration west; while others stayed behind to live in urban centers and often work in factories. Still others began a transitory life in work camps, building the bridges, canals, railways, and highways so critical to the rapidly development of the growing industrial nation. Early passenger and immigration lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Holleran: Holleran Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Holleran Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
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