Show ContentsOlhan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The earliest origins of the Olhan surname date from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name reveals that an early member was a holy man who was a priest or friar. The surname Olhan originally derived from the Old English word Hol or Hool. Another reference claims the name was derived from the Old English words "holh" + "mann" and literally meant "dweller by a hollow." 1

Early Origins of the Olhan family

The surname Olhan was first found in Essex, where one of the first records of the name was John Holman, Holeman who was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. 1

Early History of the Olhan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Olhan research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1307, 1593, 1633, 1638, 1659, 1661, 1669, 1685, 1700 and 1730 are included under the topic Early Olhan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Olhan Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Olhan are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Olhan include: Holman, Hollman, Holeman and others.

Early Notables of the Olhan family

Notables of the family at this time include Philip Holman (c. 1593-1669), an English merchant and politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1659, High Sheriff of Northamptonshire in 1638; Philip Holman, High Sheriff of Herefordshire in 1633; and Sir...
Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Olhan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Olhan family to Ireland

Some of the Olhan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Olhan family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Olhan or a variant listed above: John Holman, who settled in Nantasket, Massachusetts in 1630; William Holman settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1630; Edward Holman settled in Boston, Massachusetts in 1632.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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