Show ContentsO'Conlon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of O'Conlon

What does the name O'Conlon mean?

Before Irish names were translated into English, O'Conlon had a Gaelic form of Ó Conallain or Ó Coinghiollan in Connacht; the name is Ó Caoindealbhain in Munster and Leinster. Connal or Connall is claimed to be a pet name for a sprout or little sprout; a term of affection or endearment. 1

Early Origins of the O'Conlon family

The surname O'Conlon was first found in Munster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times.

Early History of the O'Conlon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Conlon research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1247, 1260, 1492, 1508, 1620 and 1695 are included under the topic Early O'Conlon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Conlon Spelling Variations

Many variations of the name O'Conlon were found in archives from the Middle Ages. These variations can be somewhat explained by the challenge of translation of Gaelic names into English. Hence, the spelling and language in which the people's names were recorded was often up to the individual scribe. Variations of the name O'Conlon found include Conlan, Conlin, Conlon, Connelen, Connelon, Connelan, O'Connelen, O'Conlan, O'Conlin, Connellon, Connellan and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Conlon family

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

Migration of the O'Conlon family

Irish families began leaving their homeland for North America in the late 18th century. These families were usually modestly well off, but they were looking forward to owning and working on a sizable tract of land of their own. This pattern of emigration continued until the 1840s when the Great Potato Famine sparked a major exodus of destitute and desperate Irish people. These people were not leaving for a grant of land in North America because by this time the East Coast had reached its saturation point and free land was scarce. They were merely looking to escape the disease, starvation, and hopelessness that Ireland had fallen into. Although these unfortunate immigrants did not receive a warm welcome by the established populations in the United States and what would become Canada, they were absolutely critical to the rapid development that these two nations enjoyed. They would help populate the western lands and provide the cheap labor required for a rapid industrialization. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has revealed many early bearers of the name O'Conlon or one of its variants: Michael Conlon settled in Maryland in 1774; Pat Conlan settled in Canada in 1839; James Conlin settled in Philadelphia in 1846; the family also settled in Massachusetts, New York, and Maryland in the 19th century..



The O'Conlon 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: Inter Utrumque
Motto Translation: Between the two.


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


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