The Irish name Kerlan claims descent from the O'Connors in
Donegal where "Carlan" (from the Irish "carla" meaning a "wool-comb" and "an" meaning "one who" which roughly translates as "one who combs wool") was in Irish O'Carlain or O'Caireallain.
Early Origins of the Kerlan family
The surname Kerlan was first found in County
Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) located in Southwestern
Ireland, in the province of
Munster, where the name is descended from the O'Connor stem, Kings of
Connaught and the family became early associated with the county of
Tyrone, and in neighboring counties.
Early History of the Kerlan family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kerlan research.
Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1738, 1799, 1535, 1568, 1670 and 1738 are included under the topic Early Kerlan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Kerlan Spelling Variations
Names from the Middle Ages demonstrate many
spelling variations. This is because the recording scribe or church official often decided as to how a person's name was spelt and in what language. Research into the name Kerlan revealed many variations, including Carlin, Carling, O'Carolan, Carline, Karlin, Kerling, Kerline, Carlind, Carlynde, Carlyne, Carlyn, Carrlin, Carrling, Kerlynd, Kerlynde, Karlynd, Karline, Kearlin, Kearline, Kearlynd, Carolan, Carrolan, Carolyn, Carolyne, Caroline, Carolynde, Caraline, Carroline, Carlan, Carland, Carlon, Carlone, Karolin, Karolan, Karrolin and many more.
Early Notables of the Kerlan family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family name at this time was Hugh O'Carolan, Bishop of Clogher from 1535-1568. Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) was a blind early Irish harper, composer and singer, known for his gift for melodic composition. Born in Nobber,
County Meath, his father took a job with the MacDermott Roe family of...
Another 111 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kerlan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Kerlan family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Kerlan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
- Mary Kerlan, aged 18, a nurse, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Siberia" in 1870
- Eliza Kerlan, aged 16, a servant, who arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand aboard the ship "Siberia" in 1870
The Kerlan Motto
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Felis demulcta mitis
Motto Translation: A stroked cat is gentle.
Kerlan Family Crest Products
See Also