O'Meldon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The surname O'Meldon 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 O'Meldon family

The surname O'Meldon 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 O'Meldon family

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

O'Meldon Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname O'Meldon 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 Muldoon, O'Muldoon, Meldon, O'Meldon, Maoldoon and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Meldon family

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

Migration of the O'Meldon family

In the 19th century, thousands of Irish left their English-occupied homeland for North America. Like most new world settlers, the Irish initially settled on the eastern shores of the continent but began to move westward with the promise of owning land. The height of this Irish migration came during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. With apparently nothing to lose, Irish people left on ships bound for North America and Australia. Unfortunately a great many of these passengers lost their lives - the only thing many had left - to disease, starvation, and accidents during the long and dangerous journey. Those who did safely arrive in "the land of opportunities" were often used for the hard labor of building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. The Irish were critical to the quick development of the infrastructure of the United States and Canada. Passenger and immigration lists indicate that members of the O'Meldon family came to North America quite early: 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 O'Meldon 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.