Ó Rothlain (Irish name meaning "descendant of Rothlan") is the pre-anglicisation Gaelic form of the names Rowlan, Rowland, Rowlands, Rollan, Rollin, Rolan and Rowley. The name can also be found spelled as Ó Rothlán, Rothlán, and Rothlan.
Origin
The name Ó Rothlain 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 However, historical references linking the family with Connacht pre-date 1795 by nearly 600 years.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 Signifigance
The name Ó Rothlain 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
External links
History of Ireland | Irish chronicles