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

Etymology of O'Haren

What does the name O'Haren mean?

Gaelic, otherwise known as Early Modern Irish, was used in Ireland from around the year 1200 until the 18th century. It is from this language that we found the first references to the name O'Haren as Ó hOdhrain, which is derived from the word odhar, which means dun-colored. 1

Early Origins of the O'Haren family

The surname O'Haren was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from ancient times. This distinguished tribe was descended from Eochy Moyvane who was the 124th monarch of Ireland, and from whom was descended King Niall of the Nine Hostages. King Niall was perhaps Ireland's greatest Commander King who was instrumental in routing the Romans from the British Isles. This group of tribes were known as the Septs of the Hy-Niall, and they were Chiefs of the territories in Ulster, Meath and Connacht.

Early History of the O'Haren family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Haren research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early O'Haren History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Haren Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname O'Haren can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Haren, Horan, Harhan, Haran, O'Horan, O'Hourahan, O'Horahan, O'Haren, O'Harhan, O'Haran, O'Hanran and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Haren family

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

Migration of the O'Haren family

Irish families left their homeland in astonishing numbers during the 19th century in search of a better life. Although individual reasons vary, most of these Irish families suffered from extreme poverty, lack of work opportunities, and exorbitant rents in their homeland. Many decided to travel to Australia or North America in the hopes of finding greater opportunities and land. The Irish immigrants that came to North America initially settled on the East Coast, often in major centers such as Boston or New York. But like the many other cultures to settle in North America, the Irish traveled to almost any region they felt held greater promise; as a result, many Irish with gold fever moved all the way out to the Pacific coast. Others before that time left for land along the St. Lawrence River and the Niagara Peninsula, or the Maritimes as United Empire Loyalists, for many Irish did choose to side with the English during the American War of Independence. The earliest wave of Irish migration, however, occurred during the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. An examination of early immigration and passenger lists has revealed many people bearing the O'Haren name: Edward Horan who settled in Pennsylvania in 1773; Michael, Eliza and Michael Horan junior landed in Quebec in 1848; John, Michael and Simon Horan settled in New York state between 1803 and 1811.



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


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