Ó Rothláin

Ó Rothláin (Irish name meaning "descendant of Rothlan") is the pre-anglicisation Irish form of the names Rowlan, Rowland, Rowlands, Rollan, Rollin, Rolan and Rowley. The name can also be found spelled as Ó Rothlán, Ó Rothlain, Rothlán, and Rothlan.

Origin

The name Ó Rothláin is Irish, and has its main presence in history deeply rooted in County Mayo, Connacht. There is some rumour of the family either being exiled or fleeing from Ulster for being Catholic. This might have a connection with the 1795 Battle of the Diamond. Approximately 4,000 Ulster Catholics fled into County Mayo (see Crossmolina) after their defeat. The story states that the family settled in and around the town of Castlebar where they can still be found bearing the name of Rowland. However, historical references linking the family with Connacht pre-date 1795 by nearly 600 years.

Historical significance

The name Ó Rothláin is mentioned in The Tribes, Customs and Genealogies of the Hy Fiachrach by John O'Donovan. The name can further be referenced in the Annals of the Four Masters, M1337.3 (the year 1337) "The Master Professor Ó Rothlain died." There is also an earlier reference in these Annals dating back to 1208. According to the Four Masters version, Amhaoibh O'Rothlain was Chief of Calruidhe Cuile Cearnadha (Chief of Calry of Coolcarney). This event is also mentioned in the Annals of Connacht (Annála Connacht)1337.9 (see the Annals of the Four Masters 1337 account), "Master Ó Rothlain rested in Christ."

See also

• Kingdoms of Ancient Ireland
• Provinces of Ireland
• Annals of the Four Masters
• Uí Fiachrach Aidhne
• History of Ireland

External links

• Annals of the Four Masters from NewAdvent.org
• Surnames from AskOxford.com
• Tribes & Customs of Hy Fiachrach from the Irish Genealogical Foundation
• The Annals of the Four Masters (see Annal M1208.10, and M1337.3)
• Annála Connacht (see Annal 1337.9)