O'Kirwane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Many variations of the name O'Kirwane have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Ó Ciardhubhain, which is derived from the words "ciar" and "dubh," both of which mean "black." 1

Early Origins of the O'Kirwane family

The surname O'Kirwane was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island. The family of ancient Irish extraction have been seated at Blindwell in County Galway from time immemorial. 2

Early History of the O'Kirwane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Kirwane research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1530, 1531, 1534, 1535, 1550, 1551, 1589, 1602, 1642, 1650, 1653, 1661, 1686, 1688 and 1721 are included under the topic Early O'Kirwane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Kirwane Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name O'Kirwane were encountered in the archives: Kirwan, O'Kirwan, Kerovan, Kyrvan, O'Quirivan, Kirwin, Kerwin, Kerwan and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Kirwane family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was John Óge Kirwan, Mayor of Galway (1530-1531); Thomas Kirwan, Mayor of Galway (1534-1535); Richard Kirwan, Mayor of Galway (1550-1551); Stephen Kirwan (d. 1602), an Irish prelate, Bishop of Clonfert; Reverend Francis Kirwan (1589-1661), Bishop of Killala, but was later exiled...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early O'Kirwane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the O'Kirwane family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the O'Kirwane name: William Kirvan, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1853; Elizabeth, Maria, Michael, and Thomas Kirwan, all arrived in Philadelphia between 1820 and 1844; John Kirwin settled in Philadelphia in 1851..

The O'Kirwane 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: Mon Dieu, mon Roi, et ma patrie
Motto Translation: Mon Dieu, mon Roi, et ma patrie.

Citations +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.