Maoldoon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The surname Maoldoon originally comes from the Gaelic as Ó Maolduin, a patronymic name meaning "descendent of Maolduin." The personal name Maolduin is composed of the elements "maol," meaning "chieftain," and "dún," meaning "fortress."

Early Origins of the Maoldoon family

The surname Maoldoon was first found in County Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, where they had been anciently seated at Enniscrone and said to be directly descended from King Niall of the Nine Hostages, Ireland's General Commander/King who died in the fourth century. From his twelve sons many tribes are descended including O'Caomhain who controlled the tribes from the River Gleoir to the Easky, a tract of land which included the homes of about 30 tribes, including the Muldoons.

Some of the first records of the family appeared as a forename. Máel Dúin mac Áedo Bennán (died 661) was King of Iarmuman (West Munster.) A few years later, Máel Dúin mac Conaill (died 688) was a king in Dál Riata (now Western Scotland).

Early History of the Maoldoon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maoldoon research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1700 is included under the topic Early Maoldoon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Maoldoon Spelling Variations

Before widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name Maoldoon family name. Variations found include Muldoon, O'Muldoon, Meldon, O'Meldon, Maoldoon and many more.

Early Notables of the Maoldoon family

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

Migration of the Maoldoon family

During the 19th century thousands of impoverished Irish families made the long journey to British North America and the United States. These people were leaving a land that had become beset with poverty, lack of opportunity, and hunger. In North America, they hoped to find land, work, and political and religious freedoms. Although the majority of the immigrants that survived the long sea passage did make these discoveries, it was not without much perseverance and hard work: by the mid-19th century land suitable for agriculture was short supply, especially in British North America, in the east; the work available was generally low paying and physically taxing construction or factory work; and the English stereotypes concerning the Irish, although less frequent and vehement, were, nevertheless, present in the land of freedom, liberty, and equality for all men. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. Research into passenger and immigration lists has brought forth evidence of the early members of the Maoldoon family in North America: James Muldoon, who came to New York in 1803; Mary and Michael Muldoon who arrived in New York State in 1804; Wm. Muldoon, who came to Ottawa, Canada in 1818.

The Maoldoon 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: Pro fide et patria
Motto Translation: For faith and my country.