| ![Show Contents]() Kearn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Ireland
Etymology of KearnWhat does the name Kearn 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 Kearn as Ó Ciarain or Mac Ciarain. These names are derived from the word "ciar," which means "black" or "dark brown." 1 Early Origins of the Kearn familyThe surname Kearn was first found in County Mayo (Irish: Maigh Eo) located on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland in the province of Connacht, where they held a family seat from ancient times. Early History of the Kearn familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kearn research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kearn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kearn Spelling VariationsJust like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Kearn family name include Kieran, O'Kieran, Keiran, Keighran, O'Keiran, Kerin and many more. Early Notables of the Kearn familyMore information is included under the topic Early Kearn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Kearn migration to Canada | + |
Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Kearn to North America: Kearn Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century- James Kearn, aged 37, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Leslie Gault" in 1833
- Michael Kearn, aged 30, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Leslie Gault" in 1833
| Kearn migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Kearn Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Miss Rose Kearn, (b. 1806), aged 23, Irish maid who was convicted in County Down, Ireland for 7 years for vagrancy, transported aboard the "Edward" on 1st January 1829, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, listed as having 2 children when convicted, she died in 1831, 2
- Mr. Peter Kearn, (b. 1797), aged 52, Cornish farm labourer travelling aboard the ship "Sir George Seymour" arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 14th May 1849 3
- Miss Mary Kearn, (b. 1826), aged 23, Cornish house servant from St. Austell, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Sir George Seymour" arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 14th May 1849 3
- Miss Caroline Kearn, (b. 1828), aged 21, Cornish needlewoman from St. Austell, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Sir George Seymour" arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 14th May 1849 3
- Miss Amelia Kearn, (b. 1830), aged 19, Cornish needlewoman from St. Austell, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Sir George Seymour" arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 14th May 1849 3
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
| Contemporary Notables of the name Kearn (post 1700) | + |
- Clyde Kearn, American politician, Candidate for Michigan State House of Representatives from Jackson County 2nd District, 1932 4
- Kearn J. P. Devereaux, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from New Hampshire, 1952 5
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: Fidens et constans
Motto Translation: Stand firm on trust.
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