Hillan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of Hillan

There are many Irish surnames being used today in forms that are quite different than their original, ancient forms. Hillan originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó hUallachain, which is derived from the word "uallach," which means "proud." 1

Early Origins of the Hillan family

Early History of the Hillan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hillan research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hillan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hillan Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Hillan 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 Holohan, O'Holohan, Mulholland, Highland, Hoolohan, Houlihan, Hooligan, Whelton, Oulihan, Oulahen, Whoolahan and many more.

Early Notables of the Hillan family

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

Migration of the Hillan 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 Hillan name: Daniel, David, John, Michael, Patrick and Owen Hollahan and David and Michael Mulholand, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.